Gane hopes for breakthrough moment vs. Dos Santos

Ciryl Gane will get the biggest test of his career in Saturday's main-card opener at UFC 256.

The rising heavyweight prospect is set to take on former champion Junior dos Santos in a matchup that will either launch Gane into contention - and increase his popularity - or hand him his first professional defeat.

"It's a great opportunity for my career, and I think it's going to be a really big fight," Gane told theScore.

The 30-year-old made his UFC debut in August 2019 and racked up three straight wins, which turned him into the division's most promising up-and-comer. Gane, who's ranked No. 14 at heavyweight, started competing as a pro in 2018 and holds a 6-0 record.

However, the Frenchman lost some momentum in 2020. Gane had four fights canceled - due to a collapsed lung and then three opponents falling out of their respective matchups - and has yet to compete this year.

"It was a bad year for me," Gane said. "But if I win (against Dos Santos), it will be a big year for me."

Earlier in 2020, Gane was scheduled to face Sergey Pavlovich, Shamil Abdurakhimov, and Ante Delija, none of whom carry the same name value as Dos Santos. Even though he would've liked to fight a few times this year, Gane thinks the cancellations were a blessing in disguise.

"Any time there's bad news, there's good news," Gane said. "So, I think I'm lucky."

Gane believes the UFC gave him a big step up in competition - Dos Santos is ranked No. 7 - because the promotion has confidence in his skills and recognizes his potential.

"Maybe because they think I can (beat Dos Santos), they think I'm ready for that," Gane said.

Gane said it was difficult to find an opponent for UFC 256 because of scheduling reasons, but he also considers himself "not a good deal" for his fellow heavyweights.

"I'm young in MMA," Gane said, "but I think I'm dangerous."

Gane said he's excited to experience what could be his coming-out party Saturday. If he takes out a former champ, the sky's the limit - including a title shot in the near future.

"I think with COVID-19, everything is a possibility," Gane said. "Maybe if I win against Junior dos Santos, and after maybe one or two more fights, (a title shot) would be close."