Brief summary of the article
Event | UFC 308 - Weight heavy |
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Date | 26 October 2024 |
Location | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
Broadcast | UFC sports channels, streaming |
Main battle | Ciryl Gane vs Alexander Volkov |
Introduction
Ah, that fight between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, I've been hearing about it for a few years now, and it hasn't lost any of its flavour! If you're an MMA fan, you'll know that these two heavyweights are no strangers to each other. Their first meeting, back in 2021, saw Gane emerge victorious by unanimous decision in a technical fight, but Volkov isn't one to sit back in defeat. This time, it's in Abu Dhabi, at UFC 308, where the action is sure to be electric. And believe me, they're not coming to make up the numbers.
Gane, nicknamed 'Good Kid', is ready to confirm his return to the top after bouncing back from his defeat to Jon Jones in March. But Volkov is a mountain of power and experience, and he's hungrier than ever. This fight is much more than a rematch for these two: it's a chance to get one step closer to the heavyweight belt. So, you want to know everything? Here we go!
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Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov: everything you need to know about the event
When I say you absolutely must not miss this fight, I'm weighing my words. On 26 October 2024, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will be the scene of a potentially game-changing event in the UFC's heavyweight division. Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, two fighters at the top of their game, will clash once again. Their first meeting had already produced a breathtaking spectacle, but this time the stakes are even higher. Gane, with 12 MMA victories and just 2 defeats to his name, has a chance to prove that he's still one of the best, despite his recent difficulties.
This fight is also a crucial step for Volkov, who is on an impressive run of form after four consecutive wins. The Russian has recently beaten heavyweights such as Tai Tuivasa and Sergei Pavlovich, victories that have made him one of the most serious challengers in this category. With a total of 38 wins to his name, Volkov has never looked so dangerous. This isn't just a fight for victory, it's a battle for the next chance at the title【9†source】【10†source】.
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But beyond the numbers, what makes this clash even more captivating is the contrast in styles between these two colossi. On one side, you have Gane, agile, technical, a complete fighter who knows how to handle striking as well as grappling. On the other, Volkov, imposing, powerful, a striking specialist who has also developed a solid ground defence. In short, this is the kind of fight that can go either way at any moment.
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Why this fight is crucial
You're probably wondering why this fight is so important. Well, it's simple: this isn't just another duel, it's a fight that will reshape the heavyweight division. Gane, who had already won the interim belt, is on a quest to become undisputed champion once again. After two failed attempts for the belt, a loss to Francis Ngannou then Jon Jones, the Frenchman is ready to give his all to seize this new opportunity.
As for Volkov, his recent rise cannot be ignored. He's shown he can compete with the best, and with 38 wins, including 12 in the UFC, he's established himself as one of the toughest veterans around. Stringing together a fifth win in a row against a top 5 fighter like Gane would probably give him a shot at a title fight.
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This fight is also a story of redemption for Gane. His UFC career has been meteoric, but the expectations placed on him were enormous after his interim title. This bout against Volkov could well be the key to reinstating his status as the number 1 challenger.
The current shape of the fighters
On the one hand, we have Ciryl Gane, who is coming off a stunning TKO victory over Serghei Spivac at UFC Paris. It was a big comeback for Gane, who needed the win after losing to Jon Jones. In Paris, he showed that he had lost none of his technique and explosiveness. His shots were precise, his movements fluid, and he quickly got the better of his opponent. This victory has given him renewed confidence, but will that be enough against a Volkov in top form?
On the other hand, Volkov is coming off an impressive run of four consecutive wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Sergei Pavlovich. He has proved that he is capable of adapting and winning against very different opponents, and he has no intention of stopping there. His recent victories have put him back in the spotlight, and he's hungry for revenge after his loss to Gane in 2021. This time around, he is better prepared, more experienced and, above all, more confident than ever.
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The previous battle
Remember their first meeting, in June 2021. Gane dominated Volkov over five rounds, in a fight that showed the full extent of his talent. He was able to avoid the Russian's powerful punches while scoring points with precise strikes and meticulous movement. It wasn't an easy fight, but Gane had proved that he knew how to handle the pressure and stay calm against a more imposing opponent【.
However, we mustn't forget that Volkov has learnt a lot since that defeat. He has come back stronger, with better fight management and more meticulous preparation. This second clash will be very different, because both fighters have evolved, and each has his own reasons for wanting to take advantage.
Where to watch this fight
You have several options for following this eagerly-awaited fight. UFC 308 will be broadcast on the sports channels that usually cover UFC events, but you can also opt for streaming. In France, UFC Fight Pass is the reference if you want to see all the fights live and without breaks. But be warned, with the time difference, you might have to stay up late to avoid missing the main fight. Prepare the coffee, because it could be a long night!
Who has the advantage?
So, who do you think is the favourite? If their last fight is anything to go by, Gane may well have a slight advantage, thanks to his superior technique and ability to avoid heavy blows. However, Volkov has shown that he can surprise anyone with his powerful strikes and reach. His fighting style is methodical, and he knows how to use his size to frustrate his opponents.
Mental strength will also play a key role. Gane has the pressure on his shoulders, as another defeat could slow his path to the title, while Volkov has nothing to lose and everything to gain. So it will be interesting to see how each of them approaches this fight, both physically and mentally.
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Conclusion
The showdown between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov at UFC 308 promises to be one of the most exciting fights of the year. Both men have everything to prove, and a win could propel them straight into a title fight. Gane wants to erase his recent mistakes and prove that he's still a serious contender, while Volkov is determined to get his revenge and make heavyweight history. On 26 October, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi for a fight that could well reshuffle the cards in this category.
Sources
https://www.mmascene.com/news/ciryl-gane-vs-alexander-volkov-2-at-ufc-308/