After just over three years in competition as a mixed martial arts professional, France’s Ciryl Gane has a UFC championship belt and a looming megafight to bolster his meteoric rise.

Gane (10-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) became the interim heavyweight champion after scoring a finish over fan-favorite Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC 265 in Houston, Texas. He won the first two rounds convincingly before stopping former undisputed title challenger Lewis once and for all as the third round neared its end. Noted for his high-level skill set and fight movement, Gane spoiled the hometown showcase for one of the division’s most popular athletes. It was the Frenchman’s third consecutive main event win, after February’s shutout over hard-hitting kickboxer Jairzinho Rozenstruik and June’s shutout over former Bellator champion Alexander Volkov. In addition to these wins, he has also beaten former UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos.

Gane challenged Lewis’s stamina with his mobility and speed, in which categories he holds a decided advantage over most of his division. He hurt him with leg kicks, one of which was the beginning of the end. Lewis appeared particularly hurt at one moment, and Gane pounced with another kick and hard punches. Stagnant throughout the affair, Lewis nevertheless tried to ward his opponent off, but Gane had become too much. After giving Lewis, for whom many of the Houston faithful had turned out, every chance he could (and then some), referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight with just under a minute left in the round.

With the win, Ciryl Gane is now on a collision course with the heavyweights’ kingpin, Francis Ngannou. UFC President Dana White expressed excitement about the matchup, which at this point is the best fight to make in the promotion’s heaviest division. The title unifier will serve as a major test of Gane’s skills; however, he has passed all previous tests with flying colors. The former teammates, when they square off, will put on an exciting show.