Ciryl Gane is closing in on a potential title fight, but he’ll have to defeat one of the heavyweight division’s most consistent performers first in Alexander Volkov. We have the betting odds and preview you need ahead of their eagerly anticipated UFC Fight Night bout on June 26.

Gane steps up in class

Gane is coming off a win against Jairzinho Rozenstruik that was so boring the National Center on Sleep Disorder listed it as "scientifically significant" in their research on curing insomnia. Despite this, Gane is undefeated, and is closing in on a major fight if he wins here.

When he’s on his game, Gane is a cerebral striker with a solid ground game. His skill set is something to be very excited about, especially as it's beginning to look like he can hold his own against the very best at heavyweight.

Volkov will be a big test

Volkov remains one of the most consistent fighters at heavyweight. He is coming off back-to-back stoppages against Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris. Known for his pinpoint kicks, the Russian has a pronounced advantage in experience, with 33 more fights than Gane.

His losses over his last five fights have come against Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis, who are both regarded as the top tier of the division. "Drago" is sure to press the action and see how ready Gane is for an elite opponent at this point in his career.

Gane will win his toughest fight yet

While Gane’s conditioning has never been an issue, this will be his first five-rounder, and it will be against a capable kickboxer. There’s a lot to like about Gane, but he’s taking a huge step up in class in Volkov. If he has the goods, he’s going to prove it here

Going back to Gane’s hideous bout against Rozenstruik, he has to approach this fight without thinking he needs to make up for that performance. The worst thing he can do would be to let Volkov goad him into an early firefight. Provided he avoids that, Gane will eventually begin to wear Volkov down with leg kicks and takedowns.

Ultimately, this is Gane’s fight to lose. Expect him to outpace Volkov to win a hard-fought decision.

UFC Fight Night pick: Gane