On an exciting night for mixed martial arts fans, Frenchman Ciryl Gane managed to overcome his Russian opponent Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight rematch during UFC 310 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This victory came after a hard-fought, close performance that reaffirmed the Frenchman’s position among the heavyweight elite.
High stakes and pressure on Ciryl Gane
With over a year away from the octagon, Gane needed to prove himself once again against a formidable opponent like Alexander Volkov, who entered the fight riding a four-fight win streak. Ranked second in the division, Gane aimed to repeat his success from their first bout in 2021, where he secured a unanimous decision win after five grueling rounds.
This time, however, with the fight scheduled for three rounds, the encounter proved to be more balanced and intense.
Round-by-round breakdown:
Round 1:
Volkov started strong, managing to take Gane to the ground, surprising the crowd. But the Frenchman demonstrated resilience, escaping the position and getting back on his feet. The fighters exchanged control, with Gane scoring a takedown and attempting a heel hook, albeit unsuccessfully. In another pivotal moment, Gane threatened with a guillotine choke, but the bell saved Volkov at the end of the round.
Round 2:
Volkov landed a powerful rear punch early in the round, shaking Gane. However, the Frenchman quickly regained his footing and pressured his opponent with a variety of attacks, including kicks and precise body shots. Gane showcased his offensive skillset, eventually knocking Volkov down after a series of strikes.
Round 3:
The pressure mounted on Gane as Volkov found himself in an advantageous position on the ground. The Russian capitalized, trapping Gane’s leg and landing several strikes. Despite the challenge, Gane kept his composure and weathered the storm until the round’s conclusion.
Judges’ decision and conclusion
After three heated rounds, Ciryl Gane emerged victorious via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). This win allowed Gane to avenge his previous opponent and maintain his forward momentum.
What’s next?
This victory places Ciryl Gane firmly back in the race for a heavyweight title shot. With the division heating up, the Frenchman seems ready to take on any challenge that comes his way.
