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Ciryl Gane Exclusive: UFC Star On Francis Ngannou's Contract Demands And Jake Paul's Fighter Pay Support

Ciryl Gane Exclusive: UFC Star On Francis Ngannou's Contract Demands And Jake Paul's Fighter Pay Support

Ciryl Gane spoke to SPORTbible ahead of his championship clash against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

​Ciryl Gane​ insists he's happy with his current UFC deal amid Francis Ngannou's intense contract row with Dana White ahead of their blockbuster championship clash at UFC 270. 

Gane spoke to SPORTbible about Ngannou's contract demands and touched on Jake Paul's passionate support for UFC fighter pay.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Ngannou's contract dispute has dominated the build-up to their unification bout. UFC 270 represents the final assignment on his deal. However, if he wins and defends the title, a champion's clause would be triggered that allows the promotion to extend his contract.

On the other hand, if he loses, he would become an unrestricted free agent. 

Image: PA
Image: PA

​UFC interim champion Gane understands his former teammate's contract dilemma as he remains 'satisfied' with his deal ahead of potentially becoming the new face of the UFC heavyweight division.  

"I can understand. He wants that. He wants more, everyone wants more. Me too. It's only human," he explained. 

As for his own situation, for now, he's happy: "For me, I'm really satisfied. I'm really happy with my contract."

Image: PA
Image: PA

If Gane, though, does beat Ngannou and remains perfect in his MMA and UFC career, then an increase in pay could be on the cards. He's well aware of the nature of the process, calling it the 'worst job'.

On potentially asking for a new contract if he becomes the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, he replied: "This is the worst job. It's not my job. This is the job of my manager. So, I don't know exactly but, today, trust me I'm really happy. I'm really happy with my contract and my career."

Ngannou's claim about NOT fighting for '$500,000, $600,000 any more' prompted a reaction from YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, who aimed a dig at the UFC and White.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But 'Bon Gamin' isn't buying his vocal support for UFC fighters, believing it's to only promote his own profile. 

On Paul's support for UFC fighter pay, he said: "I'm not sure about that. I don't know exactly what he wants. I think he just wants to blame the UFC, blame Dana White to make his business.

"He's trash talking Dana and Conor McGregor. He just wants to do that for that."

Featured Image Credit: PA/Jake Paul

Topics: Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul, UFC, Spotlight

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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@NasJabbar