Francis Ngannou says Derrick Lewis vs. Ciryl Gane is a great fight ... but what it's not?? A title fight, 'cause there's already an undisputed UFC heavyweight champ -- and it's him.
TMZ Sports talked to 34-year-old Ngannou on Friday ... ahead of tonight's interim heavyweight title fight between Lewis and Gane at UFC 265.
"It's just a contender fight. It's not an interim or whatever them guys are talking about. It's a contender fight. They're fighting for the #1 spot contender. It's not a title fight for me."
FYI, 36-year-old Lewis is the #2 ranked heavyweight ... and 31-year-old Gane #3.
So, not for an interim title in "The Predator's" mind ... but that doesn't mean Francis doesn't think it's a kickass matchup.
"I think it's a good fight. I like the fight. I like the styles. Opposite sides. It can be a fun fight."
Of course, "The Black Beast" has crazyyyy power (he's KO'd 20 MMA opponents) ...while Gane is an incredible athlete for a man his size, and has great fundamentals.
The winner will presumably face Ngannou sometime in the near future.
We asked Francis if he had a message for the rest of the division ... and he left us with this.
"The UFC undisputed heavyweight champion is here, and the belt is mine. It's home, that's all. I don't know what they're cooking out there, but the belt is home. It's sitting in my mom's kitchen right now. I own it cause I earned it. It's not something they gave me."