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.
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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.