Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Ciryl Gane rebooked for UFC 251 in July

Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam - USA TODAY Sports & UFC

A rescheduled heavyweight pairing between Shamil 'Abrek' Abdurakhimov and emerging prospect, Ciryl 'Bon Gamin' Gane will take place at UFC 251 on July 11th. in Las Vegas, with a venue yet to be confirmed by the promotion.

The bout was initially set to take place at the first instalment of UFC 249 on April 18th., however, Gane was forced from the tie after he suffered a pneumothorax during preparation for the contest. Russian veteran, Abdurakhimov will make his first return from his knockout defeat to Curtis Blaydes at UFC 242 in September of last year - snapping a three-fight win streak. French all-rounder, Gane made his promotional bow last August - winning three straight. News of the rescheduled pairing was first reported by Ken Wong.

37-year-old Makhachkala native, Abdurakhimov began his Octagon stint back in April of 2015. Since then, he's managed to secure five victories in the promotion, The kickboxer has trumped former heavyweight champion, Andrei Arlovski, former M-1 Global heavyweight champion, Marcin Tybura, Anthony Hamilton, Walt Harris, and Chase Sherman. In just three defeats, 'Abrek; has dropped defeats to Timothy Hamilton, former title challenger, Derrick Lewis, and the aforementioned, Blaydes. Abdurakhimov currently sits at #10 in the heavyweight ranks.

La Roche-sur-Yon native, Gane has exploded onto the Octagon scene, displaying a fantastic submission grappling ability. In a promotional bow against Raphael Passoa back in August of last year, Gane wrapped up an opening-round arm-triangle. In his next outing, Gane would score another submission win, this time catching Don'Tale Mayes in a late heel hook. At UFC Fight Night Busan, the 30-year-old went the distance for the first time in his professional career, taking a unanimous decision victory over Tanner Boser. Gane currently occupies the #15 rank in the division.

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