Ciryl Gane surprised many people when he went for a leg lock during his fight with Francis Ngannou at UFC 270. The submission attempt was considered a ‘low IQ move' by the Frenchman.

Ciryl Gane's coach, Fernand Lopez justified the move by saying that the reaction would have been different if he was successful. The submission attempt was still criticized and many consider it a big reason for the loss at UFC 271.

“The mission, because I was the contender, so when you want to be the champion you must defeat the champion,” UFC heavyweight Gane said on The MMA Hour. “When it’s too tight like that, it’s not a good plan. So that’s why with my coach, we just need to finish the fight before the end. That’s why I did this takedown, I did very well, and after I did this choice to go to the ankle, unfortunately I did some mistakes in my technique.”

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The submission attempt seemed like a good idea considering Ciryl Gane had pulled it off in the past. The UFC heavyweight was sure it would work again against Francis Ngannou.

“No, because I was really sure,” Gane said. “You see, this technique for me, I can do that on everybody that I have in my gym. High-level wrestling, high-level BJJ, and I can do it. I’m really comfortable on this technique, so that’s why I decided to do that, because I know the position was really good for me to go on this technique. I was really good. I was sure to finish the fight, in my mind.

“That’s why no regrets. Just I was a little bit tired, so that’s why I don’t do exactly the good thing, but [makes ‘so close’ gesture with fingers] no, that’s OK.”