Fight week, and a question about the presidency
Ciryl Gane has Josh Hokit on Saturday night in New York. His first defence of the UFC heavyweight belt, at UFC 334. On Wednesday, though, the question was about someone else’s big fight.
Speaking on RMC’s Super Moscato Show, Gane was asked about his friend Teddy Riner, the five-time Olympic judo champion who has declared himself a candidate for the 2027 French presidential election. The answer was warm. And careful.
Gane said he backs any project that comes from a person’s real will and deep conviction, and described Riner as a very determined man who has used his fame for good causes since he was young. He then added the line that matters: he wants to see the programme Riner puts forward. “But yes, I support him,” he said.
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“I wouldn’t feel up to it”
Two giants, then, but only one with political ambitions. Gane was frank about that. He called politics a very hard job and said he personally would not feel capable of it. If Riner believes he can do it, Gane’s view is simple: go for it. He pointed to the judoka’s strong character and his competitive streak.
The 36-year-old from the Vendée was more sceptical about one part of Riner’s plan. The judoka has said he wants to run a campaign while building towards the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Gane, thinking about the hours he spends in the gym, called that combination very difficult, while conceding that someone out there has probably managed it.
Back to Hokit
The detour into politics will not last. Gane, trained by Fernand Lopez, faces an opponent who has spent fight week trying to get under his skin. Saturday is the night that defines his reign.
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