Francis Ngannou in ‘complete shock’ after UFC boss Dana White makes Derrick Lewis vs Cyril Gane for heavyweight title

It was solely three months in the past that Francis Ngannou turned the UFC heavyweight champion of the world.

The Cameroonian knocked Stipe Miocic out at UFC 260 and followers instantly pined for Jon Jones to make his heavyweight debut in opposition to the onerous hitting champion.

Jones needed it. Ngannou needed it. UFC president Dana White even needed it, however he didn’t wish to pay for it what Jones anticipated.

Now, White has determined to make Derrick Lewis and the unbeaten Cyril Gane struggle for the interim heavyweight title at UFC 265 on August 7.

Ngannou stated he was in ‘complete shock’ on the determination. The Predator’s administration shared in his disbelief, although White argued they knew full effectively what was occurring.

So why have UFC performed this? They initially needed Lewis to problem Ngannou, however the champion stated he wouldn’t be prepared till September.

UFC needed Lewis on UFC 265 for a really specific purpose. The cardboard is in Houston, Texas – Lewis’ hometown.

So as a substitute of ready for Ngannou to be prepared, the corporate are going to provide Lewis his shot in Houston.

Lewis is a worthy and intriguing challenger. Together with Miocic, the primary time he met Ngannou, Lewis is the one different man who has crushed him within the UFC.

He additionally scored an excellent victory over the highly-ranked Curtis Blaydes final trip, so his place within the struggle just isn’t in query. However placing his availability over the champion’s?

The plot thickens on the subject of the Houston a part of the story. Journalist Ariel Helwani has revealed UFC have agreed to host a number of occasions within the Toyota Middle in Houston, Texas and that this was one of many causes UFC executives discovered it essential to incorporate hometown hero Lewis in the primary occasion.

As a part of the settlement, Houston can even be internet hosting a UFC pay-per-view in 2022.

Gane, for his half, is 9-Zero in MMA – 6-Zero in UFC – and simply defeated extremely ranked heavyweight Alexander Volkov through unanimous determination final weekend.