Ciryl Gane believes his UFC Vegas 30 clash with Alexander Volkov is “a real semi-final” for the right to face Francis Ngannou – and he wants a title clash on mutual ground. Saturday night’s main event pits two of the Octagon’s most talented and in-form heavyweights against one another, with the winner standing a strong chance of getting a title shot. Frenchman Gane, 31, will test his undefeated 8-0 record against a fighter coming off back-to-back finishes, with Volkov’s (33-8) last performance arguably the best of his career. The 6ft 7 Russian showcased his elite striking as he pieced apart legendary former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem with a second-round TKO – and Gane was thoroughly impressed. “Yes, he did very well,” Gane told SCMP MMA. “He’s one of the best in the division, so I’m really excited about this test. And I feel good. I feel really confident, I feel great and in shape, so I can’t wait for this fight.” Boasting unblemished records in Muay Thai and kick-boxing too, Gane has chalked up five straight wins since arriving in the UFC in 2019, including a TKO against former champion Junior Dos Santos (21-9) last December. But now a shot at the belt is seemingly on the line. “I think this is a real semi-final,” Gane said. “The UFC consider Volkov one of the best in the division. He had a mistake against Derrick Lewis, and so it was a little bit of a shame. But I’m undefeated and the winner of this fight is going to go ahead of the line for the title.” Ngannou (16-3) used to train with Gane in Paris, having emigrated there from Cameroon aged 26. But while “Bon Gamin” has respect for “The Predator”, he played down their relationship – and admitted he would consider asking UFC president Dana White for a title showdown in Paris. “His journey was really incredible,” Gane said. “He was homeless and now he’s a champion. That’s really beautiful. But for me, my career, no matter who is the champion, now I am looking for the belt. “So yes, of course we did some training together but when I arrived in MMA Factory he’d already left so I don’t know him really. “Why not [fight in Paris]? It’s probably a really good story. If I win my fight and if it’s possible to fight for the title, yes I’m going to ask that. It’s a present for the fans. For my family, my friends.”