Ciryl Gane says he is shutting out politics before White House fight

WASHINGTON: French mixed martial artist Ciryl Gane said he is trying to tune out the political debate surrounding his upcoming White House bout and focus instead on the fight itself.

Gane is set to face Brazil’s Alex Pereira on June 14 in a special contest at the White House, scheduled on US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Speaking to AFP, Gane acknowledged the unusual setting and the criticism from those who see the occasion as a political exercise, but said he was concentrating on his preparation.

Recalling a recent visit to the White House, Gane described the experience as unusual. He told AFP:

It was a strange feeling. Thanks to our job we're used to doing great things.

He added:

But it's true that it was pretty special because we know that not everyone gets access to that place.

Gane said the moment felt surreal, particularly because of the visibility attached to being there with Trump. He said:

It felt a bit unreal to leave France and the next day to arrive in (Trump's) office and to think that people all over the world would see me standing behind him.

On the political dimension of the event, Gane said he had little choice but to put it aside. He told AFP:

I have no other choice than to ignore it. I'm not someone who takes a political position.

He added:

But with everything related to politics, I think there is always exploitation.

Once or twice I was exploited, whether that was politically or otherwise.

Even so, Gane said he sees the occasion as a major platform for mixed martial arts. He said:

It's a great shop window for MMA so we have to play the game. We're not in politics in any way but we have the opportunity to be exposed to the eyes of the world -- we have to take it.

Interim title fight

Gane will be fighting for the UFC interim heavyweight title against Pereira, seven months after his previous bid for the full belt against Tom Aspinall ended in a no-contest following an accidental finger poke to Aspinall’s eye. Gane said the upcoming matchup carries the feel of a bigger occasion despite not being for the undisputed championship.

It's true that (the bout) is not for the undisputed belt but it feels like an undisputed bout.

It has this feeling of splendour, especially given the event, given the champion I'm facing.

He also spoke about his reaction after the Aspinall fight ended prematurely, saying he had struggled to contain his feelings in the immediate aftermath. Gane said:

I was like a little boy who needed to express his emotions.

He added that returning home helped him regain perspective.

But after that, I went home to see my wife and children. I was healthy, I told myself: 'everything's fine'.

Pereira moving up

Many observers consider Gane the favourite because Pereira, a former light-heavyweight champion, is making his heavyweight debut. Gane, however, said his approach to preparation remains unchanged and he expects Pereira to adapt well to the division.

For me, it's always the same thing, I prepare for all of my fights in the same way.

I'm aware that it's my favourite category and not his -- although I know he'll find it easy to come into the heavyweights.

I know he'll be a great heavyweight athlete too.

Gane also dismissed discussion around Pereira’s physique as he moves up in weight.

I see a lot of people talking about his physique, saying he'll be a bit fat.... In the heavyweights, no one has a six-pack and that doesn't make them any less nasty!