Alexander Volkov slams judges about “bullsh*t” decision at UFC 310 loss to Ciryl Gane
The rematch between Alexander Volkov and Ciryl Gane at UFC 310 ended in controversy, sparking debates across the MMA community. After a close fight, the judges awarded Gane a split decision victory, leaving Volkov frustrated and questioning the integrity of the scoring system.
A Rematch Clouded by Controversial Scoring
Three years after their first bout, which ended in a unanimous decision for Ciryl Gane, fans anticipated a more decisive conclusion in their rematch. Instead, the fight ended with another contentious decision. The heavyweight clash showcased a mix of striking and grappling, with Gane attempting submissions while Volkov worked to gain dominant positions.
Despite the effort, two of the three judges, Adalaide Byrd and Junichiro Kamiko, awarded Gane the first two rounds, handing him the victory. Volkov, however, felt he had done more than enough to secure the win.
“It was a bullsh*t decision, for sure,” Volkov declared at the post-fight press conference. “I did much more than Gane in all the fight. I don’t see any damage from him to me, and I don’t understand why he won the fight.”
Judging Standards Under Scrutiny
Volkov’s frustration wasn’t limited to the decision itself; it extended to the judges overseeing the fight. Byrd’s history of controversial decisions in both boxing and MMA was a focal point of Volkov’s critique. She is perhaps best known for her scoring in the infamous Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin boxing match in 2017, where her judgment was widely criticized.
“How is it possible the same person can judge two different kinds of sports?” Volkov questioned. “And she had absolutely bad decisions in both.”
Volkov also questioned the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s system for selecting and training judges. “I don’t understand how a person not professionally learned in this sport can either not be re-qualified or just not fired,” he said, expressing disappointment in the lack of accountability.
The Russian fighter also claimed that even Gane’s team seemed surprised by the decision. “I saw the eyes of his team, and they didn’t expect this,” Volkov said. Despite his frustration, he extended respect to Gane, stating that the Frenchman himself didn’t seem confident about the outcome.
UFC Support and Future Action
Following the decision, Volkov turned to UFC CEO Dana White, who expressed solidarity. According to Volkov, White agreed that the judging was unfair and even used colorful language to describe the situation.
“He said—I’m sorry for my English—I was ‘f***ed up by the judges,’” Volkov recounted.
While White voiced support, the UFC has limited power to influence commission decisions. Volkov plans to file an appeal to challenge the ruling but acknowledged the slim chances of overturning the outcome. “It’s kind of the weak point in all of MMA,” he said, adding that similar controversies often arise in boxing as well.
Time for Judging Reform in MMA
The controversial split decision in the Volkov vs. Gane rematch underscores a recurring issue in combat sports—the inconsistency of judging. Volkov’s criticism highlights the need for greater accountability and standardized training for judges to ensure fair outcomes.
As Volkov moves forward, his fight for justice serves as a reminder of the stakes fighters face both inside and outside the octagon. The UFC 310 controversy is yet another call to action for MMA organizations and commissions to improve judging practices and preserve the integrity of the sport.
