UFC Fight Night 209: Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa Picks and Predictions

Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa face off on Saturday in a heavyweight showdown for the main event of UFC Fight Night 209 at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. Gane is currently ranked 1st in the division while Tuivasa is ranked 3rd. 

Ciryl Gane comes into this game with a 10-1 record overall, but his only loss came in his last fight. Gane faced off against Francis Ngannou on January 22nd, and he lost by unanimous decision. He actually outstruck Ngannou 63-43, but he was taken down four times and that was the difference in the defeat. Gane is averaging 4.83 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 2.27 significant strikes per minute. He is averaging 0.69 takedowns every 15 minutes and is successful on 22 percent of his takedown attempts. He also stops 55 percent of his opponent's takedown attempts. Gane is an elite striker, who also finds a ton of success with his kickboxing. Don’t count out the submission either as he has won three fights that way. 

Tai Tuivasa comes into this game with a 15-3 record overall and he has won five fights in a row. In his last fight against Derrick Lewis, he was outstruck 27-24, but as the fight went on he work down Lewis, and early in the second round he finished the fight with his elbow. Tuivasa is averaging 4.54 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.56 significant strikes per minute. Tuivasa wants to keep the fight on the feet and is averaging 0.00 takedowns every 15 minutes. He also stops 50 percent of his opponent's takedown attempts.