Sawt Falasteen - French UFC fighter Gane blocking out politics before White House bout

Gane will take on Brazilian Alex Pereira in a special June 14 bout organised in the White House on the day of US President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations for the founding of the United States of America.

Many people view the whole event as a political stunt but Gane told AFP that he is ignoring the criticism and focusing on his bout.

But he admits it will be a unique experience, as it was when he visited the White House a few weeks ago.

"It was a strange feeling. Thanks to our job we're used to doing great things," Gane told AFP.

"But it's true that it was pretty special because we know that not everyone gets access to that place.

"It felt a bit unreal to leave France and the next day to arrive in (Trump's) office and to think that people all over the world would see me standing behind him."

The political aspect is just part of the game, Gane said.

"I have no other choice than to ignore it. I'm not someone who takes a political position," he said.

"But with everything related to politics, I think there is always exploitation.

"Once or twice I was exploited, whether that was politically or otherwise."

Gane, though, is focussing on the positive element that his bout will have for his sport.

"It's a great shop window for MMA so we have to play the game. We're not in politics in any way but we have the opportunity to be exposed to the eyes of the world -- we have to take it."

- No heavyweight six-packs -

Gane will be looking to win the UFC interim heavyweight title against Pereira, seven months after his previous attempt to land the full belt against Tom Aspinall ended in a no-contest due to an accidental finger poke in his opponent's eye.

"It's true that (the bout) is not for the undisputed belt but it feels like an undisputed bout," he said.

"It has this feeling of splendour, especially given the event, given the champion I'm facing."

Gane spoke about his frustration at the way the Aspinall fight ended.

"I was like a little boy who needed to express his emotions," he admitted.

"But after that, I went home to see my wife and children. I was healthy, I told myself: 'everything's fine'."

For many people, Gane will be the favourite against former light-heavyweight champion Pereira, who is making his heavyweight debut.

"For me, it's always the same thing, I prepare for all of my fights in the same way," said Gane.

"I'm aware that it's my favourite category and not his -- although I know he'll find it easy to come into the heavyweights.

"I know he'll be a great heavyweight athlete too.

"I see a lot of people talking about his physique, saying he'll be a bit fat.... In the heavyweights, no one has a six-pack and that doesn't make them any less nasty!"

O.Salim--SF-PST