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Ciryl Gane beats Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 30, inches closer to heavyweight title

In the second round, Gane was able to land punches, leg kicks and hard knees to the body

Ciryl Gane brought himself one step closer to the UFC heavyweight title after defeating Alexander Volkov in what initially seemed to be quite a close fight. While the fight seemed quite evenly matched in the first two rounds, it was ultimately Gane that proved to be a better lander even if Volkov was throwing more volume. The first round saw Gane utilize his quickness and a stiff jab, while Volkov used his distance management to his advantage. In the second round, Gane was able to land punches, leg kicks and hard knees to the body. 

Gane turned it up in the third round, showing more aggression with a mix of unorthodox strikes. Volkov became much more aggressive in the championship rounds when Gane’s wild side appeared. However, Gane ultimately emerged the victor. Two judges scored the fight 50-45, while the third totaled 49-46, all giving the fight to Gane. Fans couldn't help but be impressed by Gane's quality of fight.

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One fan on Twitter said, "Well I was wrong about Gane. Did not expect such a dominant win. If I’m him I’m sitting tight until I can take a shot at the King #UFCVegas30". Another fan tweeted on his technique saying, "I really enjoyed the showcase of Gane’s abilities with a disadvantage was was Volkovs height. Gane had trouble in the early RD with the kicks but found his way thru and had an amazing gameplay showing off what he can do in the octagon for 25 minutes. Beautiful work by Gane."

As for what is Gane's way forward in the competition fans are hoping for a possible face off between Gane and Francis Ngannou or Stipe . One fan tweeted, "Gane looked incredible today. Fact is, Stipe, Ngannou, and Lewis are going to have a tough time with him too. Gane v Jones would be super interesting. I know what you’re thinking, yes he can be KOd, but you have to put gloves on him, and that’s why he’s so good! #UFCVegas30"

Others however felt that a fight with Stipes was probably not on the cards. One fan tweeted, "I wish Stipe would fight Gane but he wont. Damn that would be a amazing match. #UFCVegas30". Some felt that Gane could also give Ngannou a run for his money. One fan tweeted, "I think Gane could give Ngannou serious problems, but I also thought Rozenstruik would give Ngannou problems #UFCVegas30".

But while Gane has the technical skill, the fans' main complaint is that he doesn't bring the killer instinct to the ring. Will that hold him back from the ultimate title? UFC Vegas 30 took place on Saturday, June 26, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.