Ngannou unifies the UFC heavyweight title

Ngannou entered as UFC champion, while Gane was the interim champion.

All three judges scored the bout for Ngannou 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.

Gane used a variety of kicks and punches and movement around the ring to frustrate Ngannou and avoid the champion’s enormous power in the first two rounds.

But Ngannou changed his strategy in Round 3 and turned to his wrestling skills, connecting with a big jab to the body and following up with a strong slam. He scored another knockdown in the final seconds of the round.

Ngannou went back to his wrestling again in the next round, scoring his third takedown of the night and controlling Gane on the ground for most of the round.

Gane gained the advantage in the final round when he took Ngannou to the canvas and worked his way into a leglock. However, Ngannou escaped the submission attempt and managed to take top position, where he remained for the final two minutes of the fight.

Ngannou (17-3), 35, won his title last March when he knocked out Stipe Miocic at UFC 260, extending his winning streak to six fights.

Gane (10-1), 31, won the interim heavyweight title by defeating Derrick Lewis by third-round technical knockout at UFC 265 in August.