UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane traded his MMA gloves for a basketball and went one-on-one with NBA giant Rudy Gobert. The French fighter shared footage of the lighthearted matchup on social media, giving fans a glimpse of his athletic ability outside the Octagon.
Gane Takes on NBA Defensive Star
Gane faced a serious size disadvantage despite standing 6-foot-4 and competing in the UFC heavyweight division. Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center and four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, towered over him during their one-on-one session.
Still, Gane showed he could handle himself on the court. The interim UFC heavyweight champion flashed some solid footwork and ball-handling skills while going against one of the NBA’s most imposing big men.
The matchup was hardly a random pickup game. Gane and Gobert are both prominent French athletes and have trained together before. The pair previously worked on combat sports, with Gane helping Gobert sharpen his boxing skills during a training session last year.