Ciryl Gane was once the interim heavyweight champion in the UFC. Reportedly, the French fighter is expected to have a rematch against Alexander Volkov at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. The event is set to occur on October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena. The event will mark the organization’s 20th visit to the United Arab Emirates capital.
Ag Fight was the first to report the matchup, and multiple sources later confirmed it. Gane put on a dominant performance against Volkov during their initial encounter at UFC Vegas 30 in June 2021. Now, Volkov is on an impressive four-fight winning streak. As such, Volkov remains the only other top fighter in the division free for a matchup.
Nevertheless, combat sports fans are surprised by Gane’s choice not to participate in the UFC Paris event and instead face the Russian opponent in Abu Dhabi. Gane reversed his previous defeat against Jon Jones at UFC 285 by securing a second-round TKO victory over Serghei Spivac in his last fight. The French star has not won the undisputed title yet. As such, he will continue fighting to realize his title dream.
Volkov is on fire with a career revival. The Russian heavyweight secured four consecutive wins against top contenders, including Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruk. More recently, he outclassed heavyweight knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Saudi Arabia in a friends-turned-rivals matchup. Now, Volkov can steal a potential title shot by defeating the French heavyweight star.
MMA community reacts to Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov fight in Abu Dhabi
Ciryl “Bon Gamin” Gane is a prominent French MMA fighter competing in the UFC. Having previously held the UFC interim heavyweight title, he has delivered many thrilling performances in the octagon. He has also recently teased the possibility of competing in front of his home fans at UFC Paris.
MMA community reacts to Ciryl Gane vs Alexander Volkov fight (via X)The UFC Paris event was scheduled for September 29th at the Accord Arena in Paris. However, before that, surprising news surfaced online indicating that Ciryl Gane might face Alexander Volkov at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. This unexpected development left many fans wondering why ‘Bon Gamin’ decided to fight in Abu Dhabi instead of Paris. Check out some of the fans’ reactions below.
Shocked hes not fighting in paris
— The Fight Lab (@The_FightLab) July 12, 2024
Not a rematch I need to see. Surprised how many people didn’t realize Gane already picked him apart in a 5 rd’er a few years back
— Schotime Cards (@schotime9) July 12, 2024
I thought he’s been preaching he’s fighting in Paris ?
— Brandon (@trippymvp) July 12, 2024
Volkov’s resurgence is giving me major ‘Rocky’ vibes 🥊 Can’t get enough of it!
— SIE7E (@AVOXPLAYS55) July 12, 2024
They already fought before & Gane is determined to fight in Paris. I don’t believe this source.
— Pauli.♤ (@MMAPauli) July 12, 2024
Why is this not the main event for Paris…..
— CalvinDomin (@DominCalvin) July 12, 2024
If Volkov wins this fight he gets a title shot right? Holy fuck what a story if Volkov somehow ended up with the belt. It’s gotta be steroid right?
— #1 LIONS & BENGALS FAN (@NeikoOrtiz1) July 12, 2024
I love Volkov and he’s gotten better since the first fight but this is a very tough matchup for him
— lionheart is the goat (@onpapermma) July 12, 2024
🧢. Ciryl already dismantled this dude and has said that he’s only fighting in France.
— Yasuke (@KombatJunky) July 12, 2024
One must note that there have been only reports of the fight and no confirmation from the UFC. It remains to be seen whether UFC would be interested in making this happen in Gane’s backyard or a neutral crowd in Abu Dhabi. Apart from these, this fight might hold a great given that the winner of the fight might be able to come into contention for the heavyweight crown.
