Gane Rejects Fouling Claims Ahead Of UFC 334

Ciryl Gane has rejected claims that he relies on fouls to win fights, calling the accusations a product of frustration from opponents who cannot accept losing to him.

The UFC heavyweight champion defends his title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Gane has faced recurring allegations of eye pokes and strikes to the back of the head throughout his tenure with the promotion, including in bouts against Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou, and Tom Aspinall.

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Gane Calls Fouling Talk Product Of Frustration

Speaking to RMC Sports Combat, Gane attributed the criticism to opponents struggling with their losses. "I think it's a kind of frustration, or in any case, a struggle with acceptance that's hard to deal with," he said, per MMA Fighting. He added that rivals see him as someone who beat them without fitting their definition of a warrior.

Gane said he does not train strategies involving illegal tactics and focuses only on what he can control in the gym and cage. "I'm not here to try and convince anyone," he told the outlet. "I train hard. I control what I can control." He dismissed suggestions that he intentionally fouls, saying a review of his training would reveal no such approach.

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The Frenchman said he respects all opponents from start to finish, noting that beating them is itself a form of respect. He called the ongoing criticism a shame but said he sees no point in defending himself online. Hokit has been vocal in the buildup to Saturday's fight, but Gane maintained he will let his performance speak for itself when the cage door closes.

Photo by Pablo Rebolledo on Unsplash

Original reporting:

• bjpenn.com — Ciryl Gane continues to reject fouling criticism ahead of UFC 334 | BJPenn.com