Heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou has just secured a date for his first title defense opposite interim champion Ciryl Gane, and the pair will meet at UFC 270 on January 22nd.

Francis Ngannou (16-3) surged into the title picture with six straight finishes including five knockouts, but was beaten by Stipe Miocic in a decision. After a poor showing opposite Derrick Lewis that saw him lose another decision, he went on a. four-fight rampage, knocking out each opponent in a combined two minutes and forty-two seconds, with just one lasting longer than a minute. He knocked out Miocic in their rematch in March, claiming undisputed gold.

Undefeated Frenchman Ciryl Gane (10-0) made his UFC debut at just 3-0 in 2019, and has gone on a tear since joining the UFC, finishing four of his fights. Gane is a high level Muay Thai practitioner with an extremely cerebral and technical fighting style, even more impressive when you consider he has been an MMA pro for just over three years. He claimed the interim title with a domination of Derrick Lewis that saw him score a third round knockout.

News of this bout was first broken by French outlet La Sauer.