Ciryl Gane’s Great Escape: The Judges Clearly Watched a Different Fight!

The UFC 310 showdown between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov was billed as a clash of titans, but by the end of the night, fans weren’t debating their skills—they were debating their eyesight. In a fight that had Volkov landing strikes like he was trying to win a carnival game, Gane somehow walked away with the decision. Social media exploded, boos rained down, and suddenly everyone was a certified MMA judge.

Let’s break it down and see how “Bon Gamin” pulled off what some are calling The Houdini of MMA.

Round 1: Volkov Unleashes the Arsenal

From the first bell, Alexander Volkov looked like a man on a mission—or at least a man who was double-parked outside the arena. The Russian heavyweight took the center of the octagon and immediately started working his range. Jabs, body kicks, and a few stiff straights sent a clear message: “This is my house.”

Gane, known for his slick footwork and counter-striking, spent most of the round on the back foot. Sure, he landed a few clean shots, but Volkov’s output made it look like Gane was auditioning for Dancing with the Stars instead of fighting in the UFC. By the end of the round, Volkov’s corner was confident they were up 1-0.

Round 2: The Plot Thickens

Round 2 saw a shift in momentum—or at least a hint of one. Gane found his rhythm and started landing some hard leg kicks that slowed Volkov’s forward march. The Frenchman also connected with a few well-timed counterpunches that briefly made the crowd go “ooh.”

But while Gane was more active, Volkov wasn’t taking it easy. He landed several combinations that snapped Gane’s head back and had the commentators singing his praises. “Volkov’s volume is impressive,” said one. “He’s controlling the fight,” added another.

Little did they know, their mics weren’t tapped into the judges’ headphones.

Round 3: Controversy Brews

By Round 3, it was clear that both fighters were feeling the heat—literally and figuratively. Gane began to turn up the pace, pressing forward more and landing a slick spinning back kick that brought the crowd to its feet. But for every flashy moment from Gane, Volkov had an answer: a jab here, a combination there, and plenty of Octagon control.

If this were a movie, Round 3 would’ve ended with a cliffhanger. Volkov looked like the protagonist poised to win, but Gane was still very much in the story.

The Decision Heard Around the World

When the final bell rang, the crowd waited for what seemed like an eternity. Both fighters raised their hands, but even Gane’s body language suggested he wasn’t entirely confident. The judges’ scorecards came in: 29-28, 29-28, 30-27 for Ciryl Gane.

Cue the chaos.

The arena erupted into a mix of gasps, boos, and confused applause. Social media was even less forgiving. Fans flooded Twitter with hot takes:

• “Did Gane pay the judges in euros or rubles?”
• “Volkov got robbed harder than a 7-Eleven during a blackout!”
• “I guess the judges thought this was Moulin Rouge—all style, no substance.”

Even UFC President Dana White looked like he was calculating how much this controversy might cost him in PR damage.

Breaking Down the Decision

So, how did Gane secure the W? The answer lies in MMA judging’s age-old problem: subjectivity. Judges score fights based on effective striking, grappling, aggression, and Octagon control, but “effective” means different things to different people.

Gane’s strikes may have been fewer, but they were often flashier and more precise. Meanwhile, Volkov’s consistent pressure and volume may have looked dominant, but they didn’t seem to leave a lasting impression on the judges. It’s the classic battle of quality versus quantity—and quality won.

Still, many fans feel the decision exposes a deeper issue: the lack of accountability in MMA judging. Unlike other sports where stats can’t lie, fight scoring often feels like it’s left up to personal interpretation. And as UFC 310 proved, that interpretation doesn’t always align with public opinion.

What’s Next for Gane and Volkov?

For Ciryl Gane, the win keeps him firmly in the title picture. But let’s be honest—this isn’t the kind of victory that will silence his critics. If anything, it puts even more pressure on him to deliver a decisive performance in his next fight.

As for Volkov, he’ll have to shake off the sting of controversy and focus on climbing back up the heavyweight ladder. If his post-fight demeanor is any indication, the Russian is ready to let his fists do the talking in his next outing.

The Real Winner? The Memes.

If there’s one thing UFC fans love more than a good fight, it’s a good meme. Within minutes of the decision, the internet was flooded with jokes and gifs:

• A photo of Volkov’s battered face next to Gane’s untouched one with the caption: “Guess which one won?”
• A video of a blindfolded man writing on a notepad with the text: “The judges at UFC 310.”
• And, of course, a classic: “Robbery of the Year goes to…”

Controversy is Good for Business

Love it or hate it, fights like Gane vs. Volkov are what keep fans tuning in. Controversy breeds conversation, and conversation keeps the sport alive. So while Volkov may feel shortchanged, and Gane might feel the heat of undeserved criticism, the UFC brass is probably laughing all the way to the bank.

For now, fans can only hope the UFC 310 controversy sparks a serious conversation about improving judging in MMA. Until then, the Octagon remains a place where anything can happen—including decisions that leave everyone scratching their heads.

As for Ciryl Gane, let’s just say he might want to avoid booking any trips to Russia in the near future.