The MMA fighter talks exercise, grooming, and the importance of good food.
A cold morning in Montmartre, and Ciryl Gane arrives on his motorbike to shoot a video with us, for the new 12H Protection Deodorants. He’s relaxed and smiling, (despite the 5am call time), living up to his nickname ‘Le Bon Gamin’ (‘The Good Kid’). As the day progresses, we get a look into the 34-year old MMA superstar’s uniquely balanced way of approaching life. Later he tells us how he manages the effects of combat (physically and mentally), his love of Caribbean food, how to take a great nap, and his secret to never looking tired. (Spoiler: it’s Horace Healthy Glow Fluid).
You started practicing Muay Thai at 19 or 20 years old. Before that, you played basketball like your brother and sister, and soccer like your dad. How did you realize that you’d finally found your sport in Muay Thai?
I was good at basketball and soccer, but when I came to Paris, the training sessions didn’t match my work schedule. As a result, I didn’t feel fit at all. Muay Thai came to me by chance, through a friend who wanted me to join him in adopting a healthier lifestyle. It clicked right away; I’m a warrior, so going into combat really appealed to me.
You pay close attention to what you eat, as we saw during the shoot. How do you manage to eat balanced meals while also enjoying yourself? Do you have any favorite foods?
It’s mostly down to the delicious meals my father cooks for us! Caribbean dishes with all their wonderful flavors allow us to enjoy ourselves while eating healthily as a family. I love when he cooks salmon with vegetables, all seasoned with a spicy sauce. Nowadays, I eat a varied, organic diet as much as possible, and I take dietary supplements to maintain my muscle mass.
You put your body through a lot, especially during fight preparation periods, the fight camps. What techniques do you use to recover in the best way possible? Do you do any special treatments like massages, ice baths, or saunas?
Yes, recovery is a crucial part of my fight preparation. I do balneotherapy, and I have physiotherapy and osteopathy sessions. Not to mention my sleep hours, which I consider the most important: long nights and restorative naps help me stay fit across multiple training sessions every day.
You take hits; you do a sport that is hard on your body. How do you take care of yourself on a daily basis? Do you have a routine or key products?
I try to take care of my body and get support from professionals. With my various training sessions throughout the day, I take several showers, which tends to dry out my skin. I haven’t always been able to find the right moisturizing products. Plus, I also have excess sebum production on my face, and since I started using Horace products, I’ve discovered treatments that effectively balance and hydrate my skin.
To win, you also need to prepare mentally. How do you maintain mental clarity and concentration? How do you manage stress and pressure?
I’m not someone who easily lets stress overwhelm me. For me, it’s essential to surround myself with my loved ones and family. I like to keep a close circle with kind people who provide their support. I need to maintain my joy of living to truly appreciate what I do. Some people have rituals to stay in their bubble; I don’t really have that! There’s always an adrenaline rush that I transform into positive energy for going into combat.
Let’s talk about sleep, as a restful night makes all the difference. You travel a lot. How do you make sure you get quality rest? Do you have any tips for relaxing after an intense day and falling asleep?
Relaxation moments are personal to everyone; I don’t really have any advice to give. Some people like to read, others listen to music. I think disconnecting is a good method that works for me. Cooking and enjoying a good meal, spending time with my daughters until bedtime are things that help me relax.
You travel a lot. Your next fight is in Abu Dhabi, right? How do you maintain your routine even when traveling, regarding skincare, sleep, and meals?
Everything is carefully planned in advance with my team and that of the UFC: coaches, sparring partners, doctors, physiotherapists, etc., to arrive in shape on fight day. The meals are already ordered, hotels are booked, the training facility is reserved—everything is arranged before our arrival. But I never forget to take my toiletry bag with my skincare products. The flight lasts 6 hours. I always have a little refreshment before landing; that’s my thing.
Is there a Horace product you love? Why? Do you have a skincare routine for your beard, face, and body?
I use several Horace products. One of my favorites is Duo Bonne Mine. Intense days and many hours in the cage can sometimes lead to visible fatigue. This product helps me maintain a good complexion.
You have a high-level career and plenty of projects on the side. How do you find balance in your professional and personal life, knowing you have a wife and two children?
It’s not always easy because in MMA, staying at the top involves what happens in the cage as well as outside of it with the media and other commitments. I owe this balance to my loved ones and my team, who manage my daily life. It allows me to dedicate more time to my family.