French sports could be in for a memorable month. While basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama prepares for his first NBA Finals appearance with the San Antonio Spurs, Ciryl Gane has a chance to rewrite his own legacy this summer.
The former interim heavyweight champion is set to collide with Alex Pereira for the interim UFC heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, with the historic event taking place on the grounds of the White House in Washington, D.C.
With both athletes pursuing major accomplishments on some of the biggest stages in sports, Gane was asked which achievement would carry more significance for France.
Gane Sees Greatness in Both Achievements
The former interim UFC heavyweight champion admitted it is difficult to compare the two accomplishments in an interview with MMA Junkie.
“I think to have the belt is something special. It’s really complicated to compare it. Both are going to be crazy.”
A victory over Pereira would place Gane in rare company. He would become just the second fighter in UFC history to hold an interim title twice. His first run ended with a failed undisputed title bid against Francis Ngannou, but another interim championship could put him back in line for a shot at Tom Aspinall.
French Stars Making Their Mark
Rather than focus on whose achievement would mean more, Gane preferred to celebrate the success French athletes are enjoying across multiple sports.
“Wemby, he’s got a huge career,”
“He’s really young. His maturity already, he’s already a leader. It’s completely crazy what he did and what he continues to do.”
The heavyweight contender expressed pride in Wembanyama’s rise and pointed to other recent successes involving French teams and athletes.
“I’m really proud of this guy because he’s a French guy,”
“Also Paris just won the Champions League, and I’m going to have the belt. I also hope the French team at the World Cup is going to win also. It’s going to be really good.”
Will both French athletes get the gold in their own respective sports this June?