The highly anticipated rematch between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov is set to take place at UFC 310, staged in the vibrant T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Scheduled for the main card, fans from around the globe are eager to see these two heavyweight contenders collide once again, both for the bragging rights and the potential ascension in the heavyweight rankings. As Gane steps into the octagon with a record of 12 wins and 2 losses, he seeks to prove that his previous triumph over Volkov was no fluke. Meanwhile, Volkov, boasting a record of 30 wins and 10 losses, is on a mission to avenge his earlier defeat and continue his impressive comeback.
Ciryl Gane, who has a UFC record of 9-2, last appeared in the octagon in September 2023 where he delivered a solid performance, stopping Serghei Spivac in the second round. This victory helped him recover from a disappointing loss against Jon Jones at UFC 285 earlier in the year, which was a moment of significant frustration for Gane. In contrast, Alexander Volkov has demonstrated resilience and determination, carving out a path of success with four consecutive victories following a setback against current interim champion Tom Aspinall. With notable wins over fighters like Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Volkov enters this fight brimming with confidence.
Their initial encounter in 2021 provided a tactical showcase, where Gane successfully utilized his superior striking and clever footwork to control the pace of the fight, ultimately winning by decision. His ability to navigate jabbing lanes and clinches was a decisive factor. However, it’s important to consider the context of that bout; Volkov was grappling with significant variances in training environments due to COVID-19 restrictions. This raises the question: did Gane face an underwhelming version of Volkov that night? As they prepare to meet again, both fighters will look to build on their experiences from their first matchup.
In assessing the psychological and technical aspects leading into the rematch, it’s crucial to examine how both fighters have evolved since their last meeting. Gane is known for his creativity in striking, often switching stances and delivering quick combinations. Conversely, Volkov has shown marked improvement against left-handed opponents, even maintaining an undefeated record against UFC-level southpaws. This presents an intriguing dynamic, as Gane’s stance could once again be a factor, but with Volkov’s improved striking arsenal, one must wonder if he has identified ways to neutralize Gane’s strengths.
As we approach the fight, bookmakers and analysts have shown a clear preference for Gane, making him the favorite at -400, while Volkov is listed at +290. This point spread reflects not only Gane’s current form but also the public perception of his striking capabilities and previous encounter with Volkov. As the bout nears, the excitement builds, and fans await a potential classic matchup that could have significant implications for the heavyweight division.
With the fight expected to commence at approximately 11:10 p.m. ET, UFC 310 promises an enticing showdown between Gane and Volkov, as both fighters seek to establish themselves firmly within the upper echelons of the heavyweight landscape. This rematch could very well redefine their careers moving forward.