Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, UFC 310 ceremonial weigh-in Credit score: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
A heavyweight rematch on the UFC 310 major card noticed Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov run issues again.
Whereas Gane had received their first assembly, this time round, the stakes had been a bit greater. Although removed from a official, a powerful efficiency from both man may land them in a title struggle. In opposition to who can be the query, and certain wouldn’t be answered till the Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall scenario was sorted.
The towering Volkov put Ciryl Gane off-kilter early, and Volkov pounced, incomes a takedown contained in the opening minute. “Drago” settled into aspect management, with France’s Gane seeking to scramble out; Volkov would find yourself in half guard. Gane would then make his escape, utilizing an underhook to return to his toes.
After a little bit of back-and-forth on the toes, nonetheless, it was Gane touchdown a giant takedown, scooping up the large Volkov and planting him on his again. Volkov closed his guard and fired hammerfists off his again, not notably efficient. Gane transitioned to a heel hook, however that allowed Volkov to get again up. Within the last minute of spherical one, Volkov hit the physique with a kick, then caught a leg as Gane fired a knee to the physique. Gane defended the following takedown with a guillotine, and it was tight. That may have been it for Alexander Volkov, however he was saved by the horn.
In spherical two, a spinning again fist by Volkov landed clear within the opening minute, although Gane appeared to recuperate. The Russian heavyweight was staying on Gane, and almost landed a excessive kick a short while later. Volkov’s bodywork was spectacular, in the meantime, although Gane linked clear with a proper hand. Ciryl adopted that with a number of leg kicks, whereas Volkov continued to carry middle. Gane would once more land a proper hand with underneath 90 seconds to go, with Volkov firing again. Gane then landed a takedown, with Volkov defending with a guillotine. Gane ultimately backed off, and the pair went again to the toes for last moments of the spherical.
Alexander Volkov shot for a takedown early in spherical three, nevertheless it was Gane who turned the tables and almost obtained on prime. Volkov saved shifting, circling round Gane, however the French heavyweight trapped an arm, looking for a kimura. Gane tried to attract his leg up over Volkov’s head to get leverage for the submission, however couldn’t fairly pull it off. That gave Volkov time on prime, and Gane appeared to have drained. Whereas Volkov was unable to do a lot in the way in which of offense, Gane was doing even much less. And although the ref warned Volkov to work, he wasn’t concerning the take away the place, permitting the struggle to finish there.
Whereas shut, there was a transparent argument to be made for a Volkov win. “Drago” appeared shocked when he heard the outcome, and Gane truly left the cage, earlier than returning for his post-fight interview. In that, he knowledgeable Joe Rogan that he believed his toe was damaged, off the very first kick within the struggle. When requested why he’d left the cage after the choice was learn, Gane admitted that “I was not happy” with the efficiency.
Official Outcome: Ciryl Gane def. Alexander Volkov by break up determination (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
