UFC: Ciryl Gane says Alexander Volkov fight ‘a real semi-final’ to face Francis Ngannou
- No 3-ranked heavyweight wants to fight Ngannou for the title in Paris, France where they used to train together
- ‘It’s probably a really good story … if I win my fight, I’m going to ask that. It’s a present for the fans,’ Gane says
Ciryl Gane believes his UFC Vegas 30 clash with Alexander Volkov is “a real semi-final” for the right to face Francis Ngannou – and he wants a title clash on mutual ground.
Saturday night’s main event pits two of the Octagon’s most talented and in-form heavyweights against one another, with the winner standing a strong chance of getting a title shot.
Frenchman Gane, 31, will test his undefeated 8-0 record against a fighter coming off back-to-back finishes, with Volkov’s (33-8) last performance arguably the best of his career.
The 6ft 7 Russian showcased his elite striking as he pieced apart legendary former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem with a second-round TKO – and Gane was thoroughly impressed.
“Yes, he did very well,” Gane told SCMP MMA. “He’s one of the best in the division, so I’m really excited about this test. And I feel good. I feel really confident, I feel great and in shape, so I can’t wait for this fight.”
Boasting unblemished records in Muay Thai and kick-boxing too, Gane has chalked up five straight wins since arriving in the UFC in 2019, including a TKO against former champion Junior Dos Santos (21-9) last December. But now a shot at the belt is seemingly on the line.
