The Tower and the Tornado: Tom Aspinall’s Take on Gane vs. Volkov at UFC 310

In the world of UFC, every fight tells a story. But when you throw a French phenom like Ciryl Gane and a towering Russian sniper like Alexander Volkov into the octagon, you’re not just telling a story—you’re scripting an epic. Tom Aspinall, the British heavyweight star with a sharp tongue and even sharper skills, has stepped into the analyst’s booth to weigh in on this colossal clash at UFC 310. And trust us, his breakdown hits harder than a heavyweight overhand.

A Tale of Two Titans

When Tom Aspinall speaks, fight fans listen. The Brit knows the heavyweight division like the back of his glove. He’s shared the cage with Volkov, and Gane has loomed large as a potential opponent. So, when Aspinall sat down to analyze this matchup, he didn’t mince words.

“Ciryl Gane is like a tornado,” Aspinall said in an interview leading up to UFC 310. “He’s all movement, all finesse. But Volkov? That man is a skyscraper with a missile launcher for a jab. It’s not just a fight; it’s a natural disaster waiting to happen.”

Gane, known for his elusive footwork and striking precision, is the kind of heavyweight who moves like a middleweight. His ability to dart in and out of range, coupled with pinpoint accuracy, has left even the best in the division scratching their heads. But Volkov is no ordinary challenge. Standing at 6’7” with an 80-inch reach, the Russian’s game is built around his long-range striking and granite chin.

Tom’s Tactical Breakdown

Aspinall knows firsthand what makes Volkov tick—and what can make him crumble. “The key with Volkov is to avoid playing his game,” Aspinall explained. “If you let him dictate the range, you’re in for a long night. He’ll jab you to death, and before you know it, you’re eating a head kick from six feet away.”

But Gane isn’t the type to play by anyone’s rules. “Ciryl is like water,” Aspinall said. “He flows, he adapts, and he’s almost impossible to hit clean. But here’s the thing: Volkov doesn’t need to hit clean. He just needs to hit. If Gane slips up for even a second, Volkov’s power will make him pay.”

The wildcard? Gane’s ground game—or lack thereof. Aspinall, a well-rounded heavyweight with a knack for submissions, pointed out that Gane’s Achilles’ heel is his grappling defense. “If Volkov’s smart, he’ll clinch, he’ll drag Gane to the mat, and he’ll make it ugly. But that’s a big ‘if.’ Volkov isn’t exactly known for his wrestling.”

Battle of the Mindsets

Beyond the physical tools, Aspinall dove into the psychological aspect of this fight. Gane, coming off a few high-stakes bouts, has faced criticism for faltering under pressure. “We’ve seen Gane choke before,” Aspinall remarked. “When the lights are brightest, he’s not always the ice-cold assassin people think he is. Volkov, on the other hand, is like a chess player. He doesn’t panic. He sticks to his plan, no matter what.”

But sticking to a plan can be a double-edged sword. “That’s where Gane thrives,” Aspinall said. “He’s unpredictable. He’ll throw feints, spin kicks, and elbows from angles you didn’t even know existed. If Volkov’s too rigid, Gane will dance circles around him.”

The Aspinall Advantage

It’s impossible to ignore that Aspinall’s insights come from a place of experience. His dominant performance against Volkov in 2022 showcased his ability to neutralize the Russian’s long-range weapons. “The way I beat Volkov won’t necessarily work for Gane,” Aspinall admitted. “But it proves he’s beatable. Gane just needs to find his own way to do it.”

Aspinall also hinted at the stakes for both fighters. “This isn’t just about winning,” he said. “It’s about proving you belong at the top. For Gane, it’s a chance to bounce back and show he’s not just hype. For Volkov, it’s about proving he’s more than a gatekeeper. Whoever wins this is one step closer to a title shot—and whoever loses? They’re stuck in limbo.”

The Fans’ Perspective

As fight night approaches, fans are buzzing about the stylistic clash. Gane’s supporters point to his dazzling victories over Derrick Lewis and Jairzinho Rozenstruik as proof that he’s the division’s next big thing. Volkov’s fans, meanwhile, highlight his durability and experience, arguing that he’s the perfect antidote to Gane’s finesse.

But leave it to Aspinall to sum it up best: “This fight is like a game of cat and mouse. The question is, who’s the cat? Gane has the tools to outmaneuver Volkov, but Volkov has the patience to turn the tables. It’s anyone’s fight—and that’s what makes it so exciting.”

The Final Prediction

When pressed for a prediction, Aspinall didn’t shy away. “If Gane fights smart, I see him winning a decision. He’ll stay on the outside, pick Volkov apart, and avoid the big shots. But if Volkov can draw Gane into a brawl or catch him in the clinch, it’s lights out.”

As for Aspinall’s personal stake in the fight? “I’ve got my eye on both of them,” he said with a grin. “Whoever wins might just find themselves standing across the octagon from me someday.”

Closing Thoughts

In a heavyweight division brimming with talent, Gane vs. Volkov is more than just a fight—it’s a crossroads. With Tom Aspinall’s expert analysis adding fuel to the fire, fans are gearing up for a night to remember. Will Gane dance his way to victory, or will Volkov’s thunderous strikes bring the storm? Only one thing is certain: when the octagon door closes, we’re in for a heavyweight showdown of epic proportions.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for the tornado to meet the tower at UFC 310. Who comes out on top? That’s up to the fighters—and maybe a little luck.