Tag: Alexander Volkov

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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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.

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 […]

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

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.

Report – Ciryl Gane makes return in rematch fight with Alexander Volkov at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Ciryl Gane set to fight Alexander Volkov in rematch at UFC 308 in Abu DhabiFormer interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane return to the Octagon in October at UFC 308 according to reports overnight,…

Ciryl Gane set to fight Alexander Volkov in rematch at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Former interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane return to the Octagon in October at UFC 308 according to reports overnight, taking on surging Russian striker, Alexander Volkov in a potential title-eliminator rematch in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Gane, who currently holds the number two rank in the heavyweight division, has been sidelined since he took headlining honors at UFC Fight Night Paris back in September of last year, landing a knockout win over Serghei Spivac.

Ciryl Gane reflects on home robbery during UFC Paris he did a great job
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Ciryl Gane set to book Alexander Volkov rematch for UFC 308

As for Volkov, the former Bellator MMA and M-1 Global heavyweight champion, is currently riding an impressive four-fight winning spree, most recently turning in an impressive unanimous decision win over compariot, Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia last month.

Ciryl Gane claims Jon Jones wasn't quick at UFC 285 He was not fast
Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

News of Ciryl Gane’s rematch clash with Alexander Volkov at UFC 308 was initially reported by Brazilian outlet, AgFight.

First sharing the Octagon back in 2021 in a main event showdown, Gane turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over Volkov, before going on to defeat common-foe, Derrick Lewis in a another lopsided win, this time finishing the veteran heavyweight with a knockout win to clinch the interim divisional crown.

In between championship fight losses to both Francis Ngannou, and a dominant guillotine choke submission defeat to Jon Jones, Gane has racked up knockout finishes over both Tai Tuivasa, and the above-mentioned Spivac. 

38-10 as a professional, Moscow striker, Volkov has gone on a tear since his UFC Fight Night London submission loss to current interim champion, Tom Aspinall back in 2022, embarking on a lengthy winning spree.

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Before his judging win over Pavlovich, Volkov had scored victories over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexander Romanov, and the above-mentioned, Tuivasa – landing finishes over the trio.

UFC 308 takes place on October 26. from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE – with an official main event fight yet to be booked by the organization at the time of publication. 

Who wins in a UFC 308 rematch: Ciryl Gane or Alexander Volkov?

Alexander Volkov threatens to ‘call the cops’ on Sergei Pavlovich after shoving incident at UFC Saudi Arabia

Alexander Volkov threatens to 'Call the Cops' on Sergei Pavlovich after shoving incident at UFC Saudi ArabiaAlexander Volkov delivered an impressive three-round performance against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Saudi Arabia. However, it was what happened…

Alexander Volkov threatens to 'Call the Cops' on Sergei Pavlovich after shoving incident at UFC Saudi Arabia

Alexander Volkov delivered an impressive three-round performance against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Saudi Arabia. However, it was what happened after the fight that garnered most of the attention.

Despite stepping into the fight as a sizeable underdog, Volkov nearly doubled the output of his opponent and landed at a significantly higher clip, leading ‘Drago’ to a fourth-straight win in the heavyweight division.

Alexander Volkov

Immediately following the fight, Volkov approached Pavlovich looking to squash any lingering beef between the two Russians.

Pavlovich wasn’t having any of it.

After being shoved by Pavlovich, the 6’7″ heavyweight addressed the incident during his post-fight interview.

“I don’t know [what happened], I just come to say, ‘Thank you for a great fight’ and he got mad,” Volkov told Daniel Cormier in the Octagon, adding that “Maybe [he shoved me because of] all the games before the fight.”

Asked about the situation during the post-fight press conference, Volkov revealed that it wasn’t necessarily the shove that he took offense to. It was a vulgar comment that Pavlovich directed toward him.

“I mean I didn’t think it was a nice thing to do from him, I guess he’s mad at me. I’m not really sure why and I would love to figure out why, maybe he just misunderstood something but it’s his fault, not mine. To be honest, this was the first time that I’ve ever heard Sergei curse because he kind of told me to—well I’m not going to repeat what he said—but this is the first time I’ve actually heard him maliciously use curse words in my direction” (h/t Bloody Elbow).

With the Russian knockout artists often occupying the same spaces back home, Volkov was asked what would happen if Pavlovich decided to try and restart their scrap behind closed doors.

“If he tries to attack me, I’ll call the cops,” Volkov added.

Alexander Volkov would ‘really like’ to fight for the title next

With the win over Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov is likely to find himself sitting in the No. 3 spot in the heavyweight rankings come Monday morning, priming him for a long-awaited shot at the division’s top prize.

“Yes, I would really like to fight for the title, but that’s beside the point,” Volkav replied when asked about what comes next. “I am an employee of the UFC and I’m going to have to not go with my wishes but go with what they say is right. There has been an unwritten agreement that that will be the case, but who it’s going to be [against] or where it’s going to be, we don’t really know yet.”

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More importantly, Volkov wants to provide the fights that will excite the fans, whether that includes UFC gold or not.

“I would fight the fights that are interesting to the fans, that’s the primary goal,” he added.

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