About Ngannou v Gane:
“It’s a very good match because the two used to train together in the past,” Verdom told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “There was one video that came out of their conflict, and the Frenchman looked better. General Francis played very well, obviously. He is very strong, and he is very impressive. I do not find him as a very complete warrior, but he is the champion, so it is hard to criticize him. I believe he is missing In the field. But maybe the Frenchman is also missing in the field. We did not see him, so it could be a battle on his feet.
“I think Gan can surprise Nagano because they used to train together and Gan is very conscious, fights well and calmly. Nagano is calm, but he can be a little emotional. He will have to be careful. It’s going to be a very good fight, but I put my money on the French. I think so.
About Nagano’s behind-the-scenes encounter with his former team:
“I think Nagano did well by not being too (friendly),” Verdom explained. “They used to train together and here in Brazil we call it ‘sweet blood.’ You can not accept that. You can not be too friendly.
“After you can be friends and grab a drink, but before you can because it’s about a UFC title – it’s an important fight. I think Ngannou did well, like, ‘Hey, I do not know you, I’ll just pass by you.’ “There can be friends. It doesn’t help. I had those experiences, and that’s why I lost. You have to be careful.”
