Schaub: UFC Heavyweight Opponent for Comeback Fight
- Brendan Schaub, a former UFC heavyweight, has weighed in on potential matchups if he were to return to the Octagon.
- Schaub, now 42 and pursuing comedy and podcasting, addressed a hypothetical comeback during "The Fighter and The Kid" podcast with co-host Bryan Callen.
- Schaub believes Gane's weaknesses in takedown defense and jiu-jitsu make him a favorable matchup,despite acknowledging Gane's striking prowess.
Brendan Schaub,the former UFC heavyweight,has targeted a comeback fight,setting his sights on Ciryl Gane. He pinpointed Gane as a favorable matchup due to perceived deficiencies in grappling and jiu-jitsu, a “glaring hole” he aims to exploit. Schaub,who last fought in 2014,discussed his potential return and fight strategy during a recent podcast appearance,sparking discussions about the realities of a heavyweight bout against a top contender. News Directory 3 has the details. Considering the current uncertainties surrounding Gane’s next fight, driven by the potential Jones-Aspinall unification, what tactical adjustments might Schaub be preparing? Discover what’s next …
Schaub Eyes Ciryl Gane for UFC Comeback: “Glaring Hole”
Updated May 27, 2025
Brendan Schaub, a former UFC heavyweight, has weighed in on potential matchups if he were to return to the Octagon. Schaub last competed in December 2014, suffering a TKO loss to Travis Browne.
Schaub, now 42 and pursuing comedy and podcasting, addressed a hypothetical comeback during “The Fighter and The Kid” podcast with co-host Bryan Callen. When asked about a potential opponent,Schaub initially considered Francis Ngannou for a lucrative payday but ultimately focused on Ciryl Gane.
Schaub believes Gane’s weaknesses in takedown defense and jiu-jitsu make him a favorable matchup,despite acknowledging Gane’s striking prowess. He suggested a ”Dagestani game plan” to exploit those perceived vulnerabilities.
“Probably Ciryl Gane,to be honest with you,his takedowns are terrible and his jiu-jitsu is awful.On the feet, it’s going to be a f—ing problem. It’s gonna be a straight Dagestani game plan there,” Schaub said.
Schaub added that even in defeat against a highly ranked fighter like Gane, he could maintain credibility given his decade-long absence from MMA.
What’s next
Ciryl Gane’s next fight is uncertain following a controversial win against Alexander Volkov in December 2024. His next opponent depends on whether the UFC proceeds with a unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. If the Jones fight falls through, Gane could face Aspinall.