In a surprise to many, Ciryl Gane has earned a title shot at UFC 265 in Houston, and it is not against current division king Francis Ngannou.

Ciryl Gane gets interim title fight with Derrick Lewis at UFC 265

Undefeated in nine fights, Gane will face Derrick Lewis for the interim heavyweight championship at the August 7 pay-per-view event, UFC president Dana White said in an ESPN report Monday.

Ngannou is not available to defend his title in July or August, and UFC President Dana White told ESPN the contenders are deserving of a title shot.

Ngannou’s manager recently took to social to state negotiations were ongoing for a September title defense for the new champion, and he was “shocked” at the promotion’s shift in plans for the top of the division.

Gane ran his record to 9-0–including a perfect 6-0 mark in the UFC–with a unanimous decision over Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 30, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas last Saturday.

He collides with Lewis, who has won four fights in a row and gets his second championship opportunity in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

The other known main card bouts on the UFC 265 ticket include Amanda Nunes versus Julianna Pena for the women’s bantamweight title.

–Field Level Media