The leg kicks, crunching uppercuts, and countless power jabs that split the guard and connected with blunt force.
It was amongst the more impactful significant strikes that Ciryl Gane landed to score a dominating unanimous decision victory over Alexander Volkov in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday. Judges at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas had it 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46, all in favor of the French heavyweight, who improved to 9-0 and continues to march closer to a potential title shot.
"I'm really happy of this performance," said Gane, who entered the bout as the third-ranked heavyweight.
"I'm ready," he added moments later addressing a title shot. "I'm ready. Give me a challenge."
Gane surgically took apart Volkov by picking up the pace nearly every round. After the two fighters traded leg kicks in the opening round, Gane began to really open up his offense in the second round by tagging his taller opponent with the jab and a knee to the midsection that he made the Russian feel.
But the third round is where Gane increased his aggression a notch and landed a pulverizing uppercut straight up the middle.
Although Volkov had a surge in the fourth round, Gane increased his effort over the final 90 seconds of the frame to snag that round, too.
The fifth and final round had the action momentarily halted late due to the second accidental eye poke inflicted upon Volkov. However, when the action resumed, the veteran Russian fighter continued to be tentative at best, stifled by Gane's versatile output.
Following the big victory, Gane said he feels like his style would mesh well with the reigning heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Despite the two sharing the same coach, Gane said he would be comfortable entering the Octagon with the champ should the opportunity arise.
"Now, I think it's OK," Gane offered during the UFC's post-fight show. "Now, I'm comfortable with the situation because he has the belt."
Co-main event: Tanner Boser def. Ovince Saint Preux via second-round KO; Heavyweights
Boser seemingly got away with a fence grab to prop himself up — something that the referee didn't notice. Boser, then, made the most of the opportunity by blasting Saint Preux with a right hand to the temple to drop the Haitian-American fighter with a thud for the knockout.
Other UFC Fight Night results:
- Timur Valiev def. Raoni Barcelos by majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28); Bantamweights
- Andre Fili and Daniel Pineda fight to no contest after accidental eye poke leaves Pineda unable to continue; Featherweights
- Tim Means def. Nicolas Dalby via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28); Welterweights
- Renata Moicano def. Jai Herbert by second-round submission (rear-naked choke); Lightweights