Cyril Gane Better Than Alexander Volkov, Wants to Fight Francis Ngannou

Ciryl Gane proved last night why many believe he has the power to stop Francis Ngannou. The French fighter defeated Alexander Volkov in the main event of the UFC Fight Night 190.

Bon Gamin (Gane’s nickname) was in control throughout the entire fight, dictating the pace and the tempo while gradually breaking Volkov’s stance and game plan.

“I don’t need another fight for the title shot. I think this guy Volkov was a really great challenge to prove it, and I proved it. I did it,” Gane said during the interview in the octagon.

The way things in the heavyweight division stand at the moment, Bon Gamin needs to wait and see first who is Ngannou’s next rival, Derrick Lewis or Jon Jones. According to the insiders from within the UFC, Lewis has a slight edge over Jones, and also, Bones is still not clear enough about his short-term plans.

Ciryl Gane is the 5th heavyweight in UFC history to start his career 6-0.

The previous 4 – Randy Couture, Cain Velasquez, Junior Dos Santos and Francis Ngannou, all went on to become champions. pic.twitter.com/8doh3cmGnJ

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 27, 2021

As for the fight, Gane was dominant throughout all five rounds. We have to say that Volkov didn’t back out for one moment but that the Russian wasn’t able to defend properly once his rival attacked.

Gane was using his leg kicks to slow down the big fella and stay away from his reach, but also wisely used his speed to neutralize Volkov. That is why he had 135 significant strikes in tonight’s match, the seventh most in heavyweight history.

He was already inflicting blows in the second round, but started to really take over in the third, which was highlighted with his flying knee. Volkov ended that sequence with his face covered with blood.

Gane’s faster movement was maybe the biggest advantage he had in this match. For massive Volkov, it was something very problematic, and in the end, the main reason for a defeat.

He now has three losses since joining the UFC. The first one was against Derrick Lewis, and after that, against Curtis Blaydes. In the meantime, the Russian did record a few notable wins, but they were mostly against the fighters who are way beyond their peak.

The former Bellator champion will now have to go back to the basics and add a few more skills to his fighting collection; otherwise, he will remain stuck in the middle echelon of the division and never become a title contender.

As for Gane, his tactics and game plan are close to perfection. The French might be one of the most intelligent fighters in the UFC, proving that constantly as time goes by.

50-45. 50-45. 49-46.

🇫🇷 @Ciryl_Gane continues to pass every test thrown in his path at heavyweight! #UFCVegas30 pic.twitter.com/utlHxNMzg7

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 26, 2021

So far during his career, he never had one poor judgment in an important moment, which is why he has nine wins and not a single loss. There have been only four heavyweights to start their UFC career with six straight wins – Randy Couture, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Ngannou. Eventually, each one of these guys was a champion.

Regarding his potential fight with Ngannou, Gane stated that he now “feels comfortable” fighting his old friend.

“I’m really comfortable with this situation because we were born in the same gym. Before it was a little bit (uncomfortable), you know? Now I’m comfortable.”

It seems that their battle won’t happen before spring 2022 due to Predator’s other plans.

Up next, we have the UFC 264 coming up and the final part of the trilogy between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor.