Tai Tuivasa will continue his push for the UFC heavyweight title when he challenges Ciryl Gane on September 3.
However, the popular Australian fighter will have to take on the former interim champion in his own backyard, with the pair headlining the card at UFC Fight Night Paris in Gane's native France.
An announcement was made on Wednesday evening (AEST), with Tuivasa set to return to the octagon for the first time since his surprise second-round KO of Derrick Lewis at UFC 271.
« Le Main Event de l’#UFCParis 🇫🇷@Ciryl_Gane vs @BamBamTuivasa »
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2022
[ Head to https://t.co/WvN9CdneJr to get your tickets early 🎟️ ] pic.twitter.com/xsXV7sIUqa
Tuivasa currently holds a record of 14-3-0, with the 29-year-old now ranked No. 3.
He is also on a five-fight win streak, with all those victories coming via TKO or KO.
Meanwhile, Gane will be coming off the first professional loss of his career, following his defeat to reigning division champ Francis Ngannou in their unification bout.
The fight night in Paris will notably be the first-ever UFC event held in France, with the country legalising mixed martial arts in 2020 following much political debate.
Speaking about a potential match-up with Gane earlier this year, Tuivasa was excited to prove himself against the best.
“Great matchup. He’s number one, I’m number three, that’s who I wanted to fight,” Tuivasa told Sporting News.
“I’m pumped. Looking forward to it. Need to get out of here and get off the piss and back on the veggies and greens.”
