Francis Ngannou will FINALLY defend his heavyweight title for the first time at UFC 270 in January, with the champion set to face former training partner and interim belt holder Ciryl Gane
- Francis Ngannou won the heavyweight title from Stipe Miocic back in March
- Powerhouse was then overlooked for his first defence, to his frustration
- In the meantime, Ciryl Gane claimed the interim heavyweight title
- Frenchman is set to take on the legitimate champion at UFC 270 in January
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is finally set to defend his belt for the first time in January next year.
Having dethroned Stipe Miocic, who many regard as the greatest heavyweight in history, Ngannou has been frustrated by the UFC dragging their heels in terms of matchmaking.
He was baffled when they granted an interim heavyweight title fight between Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis back in August.
![Francis Ngannou is set to defend his heavyweight belt early next year against Ciryl Gane](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/09/02/09/47413741-9950529-image-a-1_1630572578315.jpg)
Francis Ngannou is set to defend his heavyweight belt early next year against Ciryl Gane
![Ngannou's ex-team-mate Gane (pictured) won the interim heavyweight title in August](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/09/02/09/47413745-9950529-image-a-4_1630572918083.jpg)
Ngannou's ex-team-mate Gane (pictured) won the interim heavyweight title in August
The Frenchman won that showdown at UFC 265 and will now take on Ngannou for the legitimate title in January at UFC 270, as first reported by La Sueur.
Both fighters have verbally agreed to the fight taking place early next year but contracts are yet to be signed.
Ngannou vs Gane was the only logical fight to make next at heavyweight once Gane had won the interim title.
The 31-year-old is only 10 fights into his professional career but has not suffered a single defeat yet.
![The Cameroonian, 34, was last in action in March when he beat Stipe Miocic to win the title](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/09/02/09/47413777-9950529-image-a-3_1630572624578.jpg)
The Cameroonian, 34, was last in action in March when he beat Stipe Miocic to win the title
His style is calculated and sharp, causing problems for heavyweights with less athleticism than he does but Ngannou will be by far the biggest test.
The champion returned to his native Cameroon to parade his belt after he beat Miocic and has been enjoying the fruits of his labour but will no doubt be desperate to get back into the octagon.
To make matters even more interesting, Gane and Ngannou are former training partners and know each other well.
At present, no location has been announced for the fight, with Paris an option for the UFC, but it is more likely to take place in the United States.
![Gane stopped Derrick Lewis (left) in an impressive performance at UFC 265 back in August](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/10/07/08/46603993-10067795-Gane_stopped_Derrick_Lewis_left_in_an_impressive_performance_at_-a-6_1633591717634.jpg)
Gane stopped Derrick Lewis (left) in an impressive performance at UFC 265 back in August
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