Tag: Alexander Volkov

Tom Aspinall Predicts Fight Between Potential Next Opponents Ciryl Gane & Alexander Volkov

It’s safe to say that interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is not too confident that the winner of Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will face him to unify the belts following UFC 309. The two veterans are set to collide at Madison Square Garden where it’s expected that both men will retire after the […]

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It’s safe to say that interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is not too confident that the winner of Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will face him to unify the belts following UFC 309. The two veterans are set to collide at Madison Square Garden where it’s expected that both men will retire after the fight.

That leaves Aspinall likely looking at an upcoming clash between top contenders as his next opponent once he’s promoted to being the full champion. At UFC 310 on December 7, former interim champion Ciryl Gane will make his return to the Octagon to face off with Alexander Volkov in a rematch.

Gane was dominant in their first meeting back in 2021 but a lot has changed since then, especially when you look at both men’s activity. The Frenchman hasn’t fought since September of last year where he stopped Serghei Spivac in Paris to bounce back from his loss to Jones earlier that year.

As for Aspinall’s former opponent in Volkov, he’s won four in a row since losing to the Brit with his latest victory over Sergei Pavlovich coming this past June. In a recent interview with CasinoHawks, Aspinall previewed the fight.

He believes that the recent form and activity of the Russian will make this fight far more competitive than their initial meeting at the Apex three years ago.

“I think it’s a 50-50 fight. I know they fought before, and it was an absolute stinker—the first one was terrible. Since I fought Volkov, he’s improved a lot. He’s changed his training situation, and Gane has been inactive. Gane seems to fight once a year against opponents who suit him quite well. It’s hard to say; Volkov has been very active. I think he fought four or five times since we fought a couple of years ago, which is a lot for an elite heavyweight. I still think it’s a close fight, though, because I believe Gane is very good and smart, but I think it’ll be a lot closer than the last one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Volkov pulled it off.”

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Stacked UFC 308 Lineup Takes A Hit As Main Card Fight Gets Postponed

While still loaded with prominent names and big stakes, next month’s UFC 308 pay-per-view has lost one of its main card matchups. After staging a UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi early last month, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion will soon be back in the Middle East for its annual October numbered event at the […]

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While still loaded with prominent names and big stakes, next month’s UFC 308 pay-per-view has lost one of its main card matchups.

After staging a UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi early last month, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion will soon be back in the Middle East for its annual October numbered event at the Etihad Arena.

And the UFC has put together a stacked card for the occasion, headlined by a highly anticipated featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. Setting the stage for them will be a rearranged middleweight showdown that sees Khamzat Chimaev return against Robert Whittaker.

Among a slew of other ranked collisions was set to be a heavyweight rematch between former interim champion Ciryl Gane and charging Russian Alexander Volkov. That, however, doesn’t appear to be the case anymore.

Per French outlet La Sueur, the bout has been postponed due to an injury on the side of “Drago.” The pair are now expected to run back their 2021 bout at UFC 310 in Las Vegas on December 7.

With this news, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 26 are as follows:

  • Ilia Topuria (C) vs. Max Holloway (featherweight championship main event)
  • Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (middleweight co-main event)
  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Raki? (light heavyweight)
  • Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige (featherweight)
  • Geoff Neal vs. Rafael dos Anjos (welterweight)
  • Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan (middleweight)
  • Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (welterweight)
  • Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Santos (bantamweight)
  • Mateusz R?becki vs. Myktybek Orolbai (lightweight)
  • Bruno Silva vs. Ismail Naurdiev (middleweight)
  • Farid Basharat vs. Victor Hugo (bantamweight)
  • Justin Tafa vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (heavyweight)
  • Abus Magomedov vs. Brunno Ferreira (middleweight)
  • Ibo Aslan vs. Raffael Cerqueira (light heavyweight)

Continue Reading Stacked UFC 308 Lineup Takes A Hit As Main Card Fight Gets Postponed at MMA News.

Tom Aspinall scoffs at Alexander Volkov callout for fight rematch pre-UFC 304: ‘I’m better than him’

Tom Aspinall scoffs at rematch calls from Alexander Volkov I'm better than himTom Aspinall has chimed in on Alexander Volkov’s callout and isn’t taking it very seriously. He believes he has…

Tom Aspinall scoffs at rematch calls from Alexander Volkov I'm better than him

Tom Aspinall has chimed in on Alexander Volkov’s callout and isn’t taking it very seriously. He believes he has already proven that he’s better than Volkov and claims he isn’t afraid to prove it again.

Things were drastically different in the MMA world when Aspinall and Volkov threw down several years ago at UFC London in March of 2022. Francis Ngannou was still the heavyweight champion, and Aspinall was just an exciting prospect.

Tom Aspinall soaking hands in petrol ahead of UFC 304 title fight it hardens your knuckles

Flash forward, and Aspinall was victorious at UFC London and victorious in his interim title fight with Sergei Pavlovich in 2023. Now, the UK’s latest champion is preparing for another test. Curtis Blaydes holds the honor of being the only UFC fighter to defeat Aspinall so far, and the two men are running things back this weekend at UFC 304.

Tom Aspinall responds to Alexander Volkov’s comments

“To save the world, the championship belt, and the UFC’s reputation, I need to beat Aspinall first, then beat Jon Jones and unify the interim and the main heavyweight belts,” Volkov told Match TV.

Tom Aspinall lays out gameplan for Alex Pereira fight I'd just hold him on the floor

Obviously, this plan hinges on Aspinall defeating Curtis Blaydes, which will likely be no easy task. Tom Aspinall isn’t very worried about ‘Drago’ though, and admitted that in his mind, he has already proven that he’s the better man.

“It didn’t go that well for him the first time,” Tom Aspinall told Red Corner MMA. “Well, I don’t know, if it happens, it happens. I’m open to any fight. I’ve never turned a fight down in my life. Volkov’s a solid guy, a solid opponent. I beat him in the first round last time, and I think I can beat him in the first round again.”

“That’s no disrespect to Volkov. I think he’s solid, but I just think I’m better than him. But again, as I always say, heavyweight MMA, it’s no two fights that are the same. He definitely has the skills to beat me. I’m not saying anything bad about him. But I think skill for skill, I’m head and shoulders above him. No disrespect to him, I like him, but that’s my opinion.”

Speaking about his appreciation for Russian MMA fighters, the UK interim champ admitted that he admires their respectful nature.

“From my personal experience with Russians,” Tom Aspinall continued. “I just find them really respectful, really positive, and just nice genuine people to get along with,” Aspinall said. “As I said, I’m not speaking of anybody else’s experience; that’s my experience. And as fighters, they’re just solid. They’re good everywhere. They’re all lifelong martial artists like me; the ones who I fought are, anyway. And just like solid, respectful human beings from my experience at least.”

MMA News Today: Fans Left Bewildered After Sean O’Malley Voted ‘Best UFC Fighter’ In 2024, David Goggins Reveals DM Exchange With Strickland, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 12, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Fans Give Confused Reaction To Sean O’Malley Winning ‘Best UFC Fighter’ At The ESPYs ESPN’s annual awards, The ESPYs, took place last night where Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Fans Left Bewildered After Sean O’Malley Voted ‘Best UFC Fighter’ In 2024, David Goggins Reveals DM Exchange With Strickland, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 12, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Fans believe Pereira was snubbed over O’Malley
  • Goggins says Strickland has not replied to his challenge
  • Gane and Volkov set to meet again at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Fans Give Confused Reaction To Sean O’Malley Winning ‘Best UFC Fighter’ At The ESPYs

ESPN’s annual awards, The ESPYs, took place last night where Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley was named the best UFC fighter.

He came out on top in a category that featured three other world champions in Alex Pereira, Islam Makhachev and Weili Zhang.

The instant reaction from fans online was to question how “Suga” could have possibly won the category, considering what “Poatan” has done in recent times.

Whilst some fans questioned whether the period of time that is judged meant that the award was voted this way, many were simply baffled at the idea of Pereira not winning this award regardless of which time frame you want to look at.

“Bro sean has fought 3 ( 4 if you county the Pedro fight) times since 2022. Alex has fought 8 smh they did bad on this”

“Alright the UFC pushing Sean as the next superstar allegations are undeniable now”

“what exactly is the criteria lmao”

David Goggins Challenges Sean Strickland To Three Days Of Training For Three Rounds Of Boxing

David Goggins vs. Sean Strickland has turned into a surprising social media beef as of late, with both men speaking about one another in videos.

Following the former UFC middleweight champion’s comments about Navy SEALs and Goggins’ military career, the athlete and public speaker issued a challenge to him to test what Strickland is truly made of.

“Sean Strickland, I know you’re doing all this for clickbait. We had a DM the other day, me and you, back and forth. I was pretty much DMing you because you called me a b**** and talked about my military career and going out here once again and trying to, like you said in your DM, trying to be a clown. You’re an MMA fighter and you’re also a comedian so, you know, I’m not much of a comedian at all.”

As seen below, Goggins recently shared a look at the message that he sent to Strickland which has not received a reply as of yet, calling to train and spar with him.

He continued to say that he is done with exchanging videos and that this is his final offer- and whether the former champion takes it or not is up to him.

“You say you can f*** me up in training, I responded to that video to you and this is what I said. You have yet to respond to this and so anytime you want to train with me, I am ready to train with you. I am done with the videos.”

Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 Reportedly Set For UFC 308 In Abu Dhabi

The UFC is heading back to Abu Dhabi in October for UFC 308, as has become a tradition for the MMA leader’s calendar.

A first match-up has been reported for this card with Ag. Fight claiming that former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane will be facing Alexander Volkov in a rematch on October 26.

Many were expecting to see Gane return on the Paris card in September, after he reportedly turned down the option to fight Tom Aspinall at UFC 304 later this month.

Volkov will be looking to avenge his loss to “Bon Gamin” in 2021 off the back of a big victory over Sergei Pavlovich in Saudi Arabia last month.

Read more on the story here.

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Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 Official For Abu Dhabi-Held UFC 308

Top UFC heavyweights will run it back in the Middle East this coming October. After returning to the Etihad Arena for UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov this weekend, the mixed martial arts leader will be back in Abu Dhabi for its annual October pay-per-view there. And the UFC 308 numbered event has […]

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Top UFC heavyweights will run it back in the Middle East this coming October.

After returning to the Etihad Arena for UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov this weekend, the mixed martial arts leader will be back in Abu Dhabi for its annual October pay-per-view there.

And the UFC 308 numbered event has a major heavyweight matchup confirmed. Last month, Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight reported that former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane (12-2) will run it back with seven-time UFC headliner Alexander Volkov (38-10) on October 26.

The pair previously collided in a UFC Fight Night main event at the Apex in June 2021, with Gane winning in lopsided fashion on the scorecards after five rounds.

On Saturday, Dana White confirmed the matchup in a video on social media.

Gane Ends Year Layoff Against Familiar Foe At UFC 308

When he makes his long-awaited return later this year, Gane will be tasked with stalling the resurgence of a longtime heavyweight veteran in Volkov.

The Frenchman hasn’t competed since the UFC Fight Night in Paris last September. For the second straight year, he recorded a main event knockout win in front of his home fans, this time at the expense of Serghei Spivac. That result marked a rebound performance six months on from a quick submission loss for Gane at the hands of Jon Jones in their vacant title fight.

According to reports, “Bon Gamin” turned down the chance to challenge for Tom Aspinall’s interim gold this month at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, owing to acting commitments. He’ll now also miss a France-held card for the first time, with Renato Moicano and Benoît Saint Denis headlining at Accor Arena on September 28 instead.

Volkov, meanwhile, is flying high having won five of six since his loss to Gane in 2021. And following a defeat to Aspinall the following year, the Russian has reeled off four consecutive triumphs, most recently outpointing his fellow countryman Sergei Pavlovich at the UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia last month.

“Drago” will now return to the Middle East looking for redemption opposite Gane.

Continue Reading Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 Official For Abu Dhabi-Held UFC 308 at MMA News.

Report: Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 Targeted For Abu Dhabu-Held UFC 308

Top UFC heavyweights are expected to run it back in the Middle East this coming October. After returning to the Etihad Arena for UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov early next month, the mixed martial arts leader will be back in Abu Dhabi for its annual October pay-per-view there. And the UFC 308 […]

Continue Reading Report: Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 Targeted For Abu Dhabu-Held UFC 308 at MMA News.

Top UFC heavyweights are expected to run it back in the Middle East this coming October.

After returning to the Etihad Arena for UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov early next month, the mixed martial arts leader will be back in Abu Dhabi for its annual October pay-per-view there.

And the UFC 308 numbered event looks close to having its first major matchup confirmed, with Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight reporting that former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane (12-2) will run it back with seven-time UFC headliner Alexander Volkov (38-10) on October 26.

Gane Ends Year Layoff Against Familiar Foe At UFC 308

When he makes his long-awaited return later this year, Gane will be tasked with stalling the resurgence of a longtime heavyweight veteran in Volkov.

The Frenchman hans’t competed since the UFC FIght Night in Paris last September. For the second straight year, he recorded a main event knockout win in front of his home fans, this time at the expense of Serghei Spivac. That result marked a rebound performance six months on from a quick submission loss for Gane at the hands of Jon Jones in their vacant title fight.

According to reports, “Bon Gamin” turned down the chance to challenge for Tom Aspinall’s interim gold this month at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, owing to acting committments. He’ll now also miss a France-held card for the first time, with Renato Moicano and Benoît Saint Denis headlining at Accor Arena on September 28 instead.

Volkov, meanwhile, is flying high having won five of six since his loss to Gane in 2021. And following a defeat to Aspinall the following year, the Russian has reeled off four cosnecutive triumphs, most recently outpointing his fellow countryman Sergei Pavlovich at the UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia last month.

“Drago” will now return to the Middle East looking for redemption opposite Gane.

Continue Reading Report: Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 Targeted For Abu Dhabu-Held UFC 308 at MMA News.