This Saturday, Russian heavyweight Alexander Volkov returns to face Tai Tuivasa at UFC 293 in Sydney. The 34-year-old Volkov is one of the most experienced and technical fighters on the UFC roster, and in this article I examine his career and those technical skills. This is an Alexander Volkov breakdown.
A World-Class Heavyweight
Ever since his introduction into the UFC almost seven years ago, Volkov has proved he is not there just to make up the numbers. The Russian finisher is one of the best heavyweights in the world and he continues to be a threat at the top of the division today. The long, rangy kickboxer has taken some impressive scalps along the way. This includes finishes over the likes of Stefan Struve, Fabrício Werdum and Alistair Overeem.
Alexander Volkov: Squandered Chances
Ranked at number seven in the world, Volkov is on a two-fight winning streak and he will be looking to make another run at the title. His last title eliminator fight came against Derrick Lewis at UFC 229 in 2018, but he was viciously knocked out with only 11 seconds remaining in the fight. Despite controlling the bout and heading for a decision win, Volkov could not avoid the legendary power of Lewis right at the death. ‘Drago’ hurt Lewis on multiple occasions with front kicks, knees and an uppercut, and he used his range well to wear Lewis out. Ultimately, Volkov lost focus when it mattered most and was caught with a massive overhand right and finished off with ground and pound.
Volkov has struggled to rise above the challenges necessary to earn a title shot. He was defeated by Curtis Blaydes before recording back-to-back stoppages over Walt Harris and Overeem. His reward – a fight with former title challenger Ciryl Gane. UFC gold was once again in Volkov’s sights, but he lost via unanimous decision and it was back to the drawing board.
A win against Marcin Tybura put him right back in the mix. The Russian had yet another chance to make a statement against rising star Tom Aspinall. He came up short, losing via armbar in the first round. In summation, he has squandered his chances of glory in the past.
The Striking of Alexander Volkov
‘Drago’ is a distance fighter due to his length. He will usually pressure his opponents and control the pace of a fight. His strength lies in his kicks, and he loves to throw teeps and front kicks with his lead leg. Additionally, you will see him attack the legs and finish combinations with a left high kick.
Volkov has a simple yet effective approach to his boxing. He has a sharp jab which he is able to get to the target quickly, sometimes from a low hand position. This makes it difficult for the opponent to see it coming. He has improved his variety when it comes to punches, and will throw hooks following straight shots as well as uppercuts in close.
Wrestling and Grappling
Volkov is inconsistent when it comes to wrestling, and rarely uses it offensively. Defensively though, he can be difficult to get down against the cage. When he splits his stance, his opponents have found it difficult to lock their hands and complete a double leg due to his length. He also makes it difficult for fighters to change levels with under hooks and head positioning.
The Russian may want to consider improving his wrestling as he has looked vulnerable against strong wrestlers out in the open.
Jiu-Jitsu
‘Drago’ is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but only has three submission wins on his professional record. However, he has only been submitted once in the UFC and has looked slick at times on the ground. When taken down, he will often look to lock his guard and limit the offensive Jiu-Jitsu coming from his opponents. He fights the hands of his opponents well and will look to control their wrists.
Volkov scored an impressive rear-naked choke against Blagoy Ivanov while competing in Bellator. In the clinch, Ivanov tried to trip Volkov, but the Russian was able to use his hips to instantly take Ivanov’s back and sink in the choke.
UFC 293: Another Opportunity for Alexander Volkov
Volkov faces the heavy-handed Tuivasa this weekend in Sydney and has yet another opportunity to get back into the title picture. At only 34, it is too soon to completely count him out. However, the pressure is on to deliver a great performance and make that statement he so badly needs – the UFC can be unforgiving after all.
Can Alexander Volkov secure a title shot? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
