Controversial Decision at UFC 310: Volkov vs. Gan
The highly anticipated UFC 310 event, held on December 7, 2024, ended in controversy as Alexander Volkov faced Cyril Gan in a rematch that left fans and commentators divided. Despite a strong performance from Volkov, the judges awarded Gan a split decision victory, reigniting debates about judging criteria in mixed martial arts. This fight was particularly significant as it marked Volkov's attempt to avenge a previous loss to Gan, which had occurred three and a half years earlier.
In the lead-up to the event, the card was affected by welterweight champion Belal Muhammad's inability to defend his title, leading to Shavkat Rakhmonov stepping in to fight Ian Machado Gary. However, the spotlight remained on the two Russian fighters, Movsar Evloev and Alexander Volkov, both of whom were vying for title contention. Evloev secured a victory against Aljamain Sterling, showcasing his grappling skills and resilience throughout the match.
Evloev's Path to Victory
Movsar Evloev's bout against Aljamain Sterling was a crucial fight for both fighters. Evloev, who was looking to maintain his undefeated record, faced a challenging opponent in Sterling, who was eager to prove himself after a lackluster debut in the featherweight division. The fight saw Evloev adapt and respond effectively to Sterling's tactics, ultimately winning two out of three rounds according to the judges. This victory marked Evloev's 19th career win and eighth in the UFC featherweight category, solidifying his position as a contender in the division.
Aftermath and Future Implications
The aftermath of UFC 310 has left both Volkov and Evloev with mixed feelings. While Evloev celebrated his victory, he expressed doubts about his performance, attributing it to the unique style matchup against Sterling. On the other hand, Volkov's loss to Gan has raised questions about the judging process in the UFC, especially given the support he received from commentators like Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, who believed he had done enough to win. Volkov's hopes for a title shot have been dashed once again, while Evloev's victory positions him favorably for future title contention. The event concluded with Rakhmonov defeating Gary and Pantoja successfully defending his flyweight title, adding further excitement to the UFC landscape.
