The heavyweight division is about to witness a seismic clash as Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov lock horns once again at UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura on December 7, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Their first meeting in June 2021 was a masterclass in striking, with Gane narrowly edging out Volkov via unanimous decision. Since then, both fighters have taken contrasting paths, battling through setbacks and triumphs to reclaim their positions as top contenders.
Let’s break down how these two elite heavyweights have evolved since their first encounter and what makes their rematch one of the most anticipated bouts of the year.
The First Encounter: Gane vs Volkov I
When Gane and Volkov first faced off at UFC Fight Night in 2021, fans witnessed a highly technical battle of precision striking. Gane’s agility and tactical approach earned him a narrow victory, with both fighters showcasing incredible accuracy, landing over 110 significant strikes each. Despite Volkov’s resilience, Gane’s pace and control were enough to secure the unanimous decision.
Ciryl Gane’s Journey Since 2021
The French superstar wasted no time climbing the ranks, capturing the interim heavyweight title by dismantling Derrick Lewis at UFC 265. Gane’s undefeated streak, however, was snapped by Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 in a razor-thin decision where Ngannou’s grappling played the deciding role.
Gane bounced back with a sensational TKO victory over Tai Tuivasa in front of a roaring Parisian crowd in 2022. However, his shot at undisputed gold against Jon Jones at UFC 285 ended abruptly, with Jones submitting him in the first round. Determined to rise again, Gane showcased his dominance with a Performance of the Night victory over Serghei Spivac in September 2023, reminding the division why he remains a force to be reckoned with.
Alexander Volkov’s Ascent
Volkov’s post-2021 journey has been marked by steady improvement and spectacular finishes. After defeating Marcin Tybura at UFC 267, Volkov faced setbacks against Tom Aspinall but rebounded with stunning victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa, the latter earning him his first UFC submission via Ezekiel choke.
Most recently, Volkov secured a hard-fought decision win over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Aliskerov, cementing his position as the No. 3 contender. His current four-fight win streak highlights his evolution as a well-rounded heavyweight capable of both striking precision and grappling finesse.
What’s at Stake in the Rematch?
With both fighters positioned in the top three of the division, this rematch carries massive implications for the title picture. Gane’s fluid movement and pinpoint accuracy will once again clash with Volkov’s power and newfound grappling threats. Both men have grown significantly since their first meeting, setting the stage for a thrilling, high-stakes showdown.
Don’t Miss UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura
The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is set to host one of the year’s most stacked cards, headlined by a flyweight title bout between champion Alexandre Pantoja and rising star Kyoji Asakura. With Ciryl Gane vs Alexander Volkov on the main card, the night promises action-packed drama.
Prelims: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
Main Card: 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT on Pay-Per-View
Mark your calendars for December 7, 2024, and witness this heavyweight rematch unfold live!