In a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, Alexander Volkov expects his style to prevail.
Volkov (31-7 MMA, 5-1) takes on Curtis Blaydes in the headliner of the UFC’s June 20 event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
He will face the heavyweight division’s most prolific takedown artist and while Volkov has been working on his wrestling this camp, he’s confident he’ll be able to keep the fight on the feet, where he boasts 20 knockouts on his resume.
“Curtis is one of the toughest UFC competitors,” Volkov recently told MMA Junkie. “However, despite my limited training, long-distant flight and jet lag, I’m prepared for our upcoming fight and he will have to face certain challenges, as well. I allocate lots of time to wrestling. Even though it’s not my strongest skill, I am used to opponents like him. Obviously, he’ll count on his wrestling. That’s his only recourse. Otherwise, I will defeat him with my striking.”
Volkov is coming off a unanimous decision win over Greg Hardy this past November in Moscow and has been preparing for his upcoming fight with Blaydes (13-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in Russia.
Although he hasn’t had access to his gym, the former Bellator heavyweight champion is happy with his preparation ahead of the fight.
“The current epidemiological situation in Russia, especially in Moscow, is pretty complicated,” Volkov said. “Therefore gyms, including ours, have been closed for two months. But still, I have been doing all my best to stay fit and train at home. During the last two weeks, after a confirmation of the bout, we have been arranging full-contact sparring. Of course, we were not able to realize some of our plans, but in general I am pleased with the work conducted.”
With a win on June 20, Volkov is eyeing No. 1 contender Francis Ngannou, whom he’s had plenty of back-and-forth with in the past, but a fight between them never materialized.
“We will meet Ngannou in octagon sooner or later after my next win,” Volkov said.
Alexander Volkov: Wrestling is Curtis Blaydes' only recourse, but I'll beat him with my striking
