Ciryl Gane Escaped a Close Volkov Rematch With a Split
Ciryl Gane defeated Alexander Volkov by split decision at UFC 310 in Las Vegas on December 7, 2024. Two judges scored the three-round heavyweight rematch 29–28 for Gane, while the third returned the same margin for Volkov.
The rematch included unexpected grappling
The first round featured more wrestling than many had anticipated from the two accomplished strikers. Their second round opened into a more varied contest, with Volkov hurting Gane through a spinning backfist.
Gane recovered and produced positive moments later in the round. Neither heavyweight established an advantage large enough to remove the importance of the final five minutes.
Volkov ended the fight on top
The fighters returned to the canvas early in round three. Gane pursued a kimura but could not complete the submission, leaving Volkov in top position during the closing portion.
Volkov landed short punches through the horn. When the scores were announced, Gane received the split decision, drawing a disappointed response from sections of the T-Mobile Arena crowd.
A different outcome pattern from 2021
Gane had won their first meeting by unanimous decision over five rounds on June 26, 2021. The 2024 return lasted three rounds and produced disagreement among the judges.
The UFC 310 result also followed Gane’s September 2023 stoppage of Serghei Spivac, giving him consecutive victories after his title-fight loss to Jon Jones. The close Volkov verdict kept that winning sequence intact while leaving a much tighter rematch than their opening encounter.
Sources
- UFC: round sequence and crowd reaction
- UFC: official split scorecards
- UFC: first Volkov meeting, Spivac victory and Jones defeat
