Ciryl Gane Tai Tuivasa: UFC Fight Night Paris Odds, Prediction

Ciryl Gane has vaulted to a heavy -515 favourite in Saturday evening’s matchup at Accor arena in Paris, France. Tai Tuivasa has dominated during an impressive five-fight win streak, but enters the weekend sitting well off the pace as a +345 underdog on the UFC odds.

Ciryl Gane UFC Fight Night Paris Odds

Gane claimed the interim UFC heavyweight crown with a sensational third-round TKO win over Derrick Lewis at UFC 265, extending his carer-opening win streak to 10 fights. However, “Bon Gamin” came up short in his bid for the undisputed title, dropping a unanimous decision to reigning champion Francis Ngannou at UFC 270.

Standing 6’ 5”, and sporting a lengthy 80-inch reach, Gane held the early advantage over Ngannou, steadily outstriking the champ in early rounds. However, Ngannou eventually turned the tables on the big Frenchman with four takedowns, while also racking up 8:29 of control time.

Despite the loss, Gane picked up crucial experience in his clash with Ngannou. In addition to marking the third time he has gone the distance over his past four contests, Gane also endured a grappling trial-by-fire against the champ, further honing his existing advantage over Tuivasa if the action goes to the mat.

Tai Tuivasa UFC Fight Night Paris Odds

A crushing three-fight losing slide over 2018 and 2019 threatened Tuivasa’s future in the UFC. But, the hard-hitting Australian has rebounded in a big way from the only losing streak of his career with five straight wins, with each of those victories coming by KO or TKO. “Bam Bam” needed just 6:40 to dispose of Lewis by KO in his last outing at UFC 271, which also earned him a third straight Performance of the Night” bonus.

Overall, Tuivasa has seen just two of his 17 career fights go a full three rounds, and has finished opponents in 13 of his 14 career victories. While Tuivasa sports an impressive resume, it is devoid of experience in championship rounds, adding to the pressure to finish Gane quickly.

However, with a six-inch reach deficit, Tuivasa faces the daunting task of getting inside on Gane, while avoiding getting taken down by the big man. Indeed, grappling is not one of Tuivasa’s strength, and will likely only serve to wear down the No. 3 UFC heavyweight contender as this clash progresses.

UFC Fight Night Paris Prediction: Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa

Tai Tuivasa demonstrated his ability to topple a big man with his stunning first-round KO win over Stefan Struve at UFC 254. However, duplicating that success against a dual threat opponent like Gane is a massive ask. Don’t be surprised to see Bam Bam go for the early finish, but as this fight progresses, the advantage will steadily shift to Gane.

Prediction: Ciryl Gane by KO, TKO, or DQ (-145)