The octagon awaits Tanner Boser once more.
Boser (17-5-1) is set to clash with a rapidly ascending heavyweight talent Ciryl Gane (5-0) in a heavyweight showdown this Saturday at UFC Busan in Busan, South Korea.
At 28 years old, Boser views this matchup as a closely balanced contest where neither competitor holds a clear edge regardless of how the bout unfolds.
"We match up pretty evenly across many areas," Boser told MMA Empire. "I don't see any particular aspect where either one of us holds a glaring advantage."
"If anything, I'd wager I'm the tougher competitor. I'm highly durable, I carry a solid chin, and he hasn't been fully tested in MMA when it comes to absorbing damage."
Boser carries a major advantage in MMA experience on paper, boasting 23 professional bouts against Gane's five.
Yet despite that considerable gap in cage time, Boser insists experience won't be a deciding factor come fight night.
"He brings plenty of kickboxing experience to the table," Boser explained. "He still has around 20 pro fights, so the difference isn't as stark as it might seem."
"When you look at overall professional fighting experience, I genuinely don't see a massive divide between us."
Another Opponent, Another Victory
Since making his UFC debut in August, Gane has stringed together two impressive finishing victories within three months, generating considerable buzz around the French striker.
Boser acknowledges the attention surrounding Gane but remains skeptical that a victory over the Frenchman would automatically elevate his own standing.
"I realize he's a highly touted prospect in the heavyweight division right now," Boser said. "But I don't think me beating him means the hype follows me."
"That said, if and when I do defeat him, it's just another victory added to my record and another opponent to chase next. Honestly, I couldn't care less."
Boser debuted in the UFC last October at UFC Boston, securing a commanding unanimous decision over Daniel Spitz.
Though much about competing in the UFC mirrors other promotions he's fought in, Boser singled out one element that stood apart—a feature he appreciated.
"You know exactly when your fight is scheduled; there's a set timetable. The last time I fought, I walked out the door at 6:02 sharp. That's precisely when I headed out to the cage," Boser noted.
"In other promotions, particularly local cards, you fight once the bout before you concludes. While warming up in those scenarios, you never know whether those preceding fights will finish quickly or go the full distance, meaning you might need to stay warm far longer than expected. Having certainty about my walkout time was refreshing, and I enjoyed it."
Boser's Acknowledgments
"I want to express gratitude to my sponsors (Paul Peddle Services, Premier Built Garages, MealKraft) along with all my coaches and training partners." Connect with Boser on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
