Brendan Schaub has considered how he matches up with the current crop of UFC heavyweights.
In December 2014, ‘Big Brown’ was battered as he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Travis Browne.
A few days later, Brendan Schaub was upbeat about his fighting future, even backing himself to ‘surprise’ people against UFC heavyweight legend Cain Velasquez before Joe Rogan sent him into retirement with brutal intervention.
In the decade since walking away from MMA, the 42-year-old has launched careers in comedy and podcasting and has shown no interest in making a return to the Octagon.
- READ MORE: Joe Rogan recalls Brendan Schaub’s ‘crazy’ win over UFC legend who took MMA to ‘another level’
Brendan Schaub names ideal UFC comeback opponent
During the most recent episode of his ‘The Fighter and The Kid’ podcast, Brendan Schaub and his co-host, Bryan Callen, answered questions from their fans.
One person wanted to know who the former ranked UFC heavyweight would pick for a hypothetical comeback fight.
Schaub initially considered facing Francis Ngannou for a monster payday before settling on Ciryl Gane due to his high ranking and distinct lack of a grappling game.
“I’d wanna make as much money as possible,” he said. “So, I’d probably go for Francis [Ngannou]. I’d just try to take him down.”
Schaub added: “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—— problem. It’s gonna be a straight Dagestani game plan there.
“Out of those top dogs, yeah, probably Ciryl Gane. Just because he has such a glaring hole in his jiu-jitsu and wrestling. Ciryl Gane, just because he has glaring holes, but it would be a tough day in the office.
“That would be a good one because they are all gonna be tough. 10-14, you’ve never heard of them.
“So, give me a big name with a glaring hole. At least with Ciryl Gane, if you lose to him, ‘Yeah, he’s ranked #2 in the world, Brendan hasn’t fought in 10 years’.”
What’s next for Ciryl Gane?
Ciryl Gane hasn’t fought since picking up a controversial decision win at UFC 310 in December 2024.
‘Bon Gamin’ stormed out of the Octagon before revealing an injury after beating Alexander Volkov.
Gane’s next move depends on the UFC unification fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
If it goes ahead, the former interim champion will square off against another top contender.
However, if the UFC decides to stop waiting for Jon Jones, he could get a fight with Tom Aspinall.
Everything is expected to be revealed by MMA’s premier promotion in the coming days.