Alexander Volkov says Francis Ngannou ducking him after Jair Rozenstruik booking at UFC Columbus

Now Alexander Volkov thinks Francis Ngannou is the one dodging him.

For the longest time, Ngannou 14-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) claimed Volkov (31-7 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has turned him down on numerous occasions. But now Volkov is the one saying Ngannou won’t fight him.

Thursday night, it was announced that Ngannou will headline the UFC’s March 28 event at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, against Jairzinho Rozenstruik (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC).

Volkov chimed in with his thoughts, accusing Ngannou of ducking him.

“Its just me, or @francis_ngannou just evaded me again? He wanted to fight me so much, but ducked me for the other guy as soon as I’ve asked UFC to fight him. He is funny…”

And it didn’t take long for Ngannou to respond.

Frustrated with the UFC and eagerly looking for a fight, Ngannou was campaigning hard for the Volkov fight, most recently calling him out for the UFC 246 card on Jan. 18. Volkov responded with a counter offer, suggesting Paris in March. Ngannou responded that he’s willing to fight him any time, anywhere.

Ngannou is coming off three straight first-round knockouts, but with the title picture held up with an imminent trilogy fight between UFC heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier, Ngannou knew he’d have to take another fight before getting another crack at the title.

Rozenstruik emerged as a top contender with a big comeback knockout win over Alistair Overeem this past weekend at UFC on ESPN 7 and proceeded to call out Ngannou after the win. It didn’t take long for him to get his wish. He draws the former UFC heavyweight title challenger next.

According to Volkov, he’s been asking the UFC for the Ngannou fight, claiming that “The Predator” has turned him down not once, but twice.

Volkov is coming off a win over Greg Hardy in November in Moscow, outpointing him in a one-sided unanimous decision win.