Seriy Volkov: prospects of the Russian's fight for the UFC title remain vague
Russian fighter Alexander Volkov defeated Dominican Valdo Cortez-Acosta at the UFC 328 tournament in Newark, USA. The heavyweight bout lasted all three rounds and ended with Volkov's victory by unanimous decision. (30:27, 29:28, 29:28). An important victory for Alexander, which allows him to remain among the contenders for the title fight. For more information, see the Izvestia article.
Nervous and dangerous
On the night of May 10, the UFC 328 tournament took place in Newark, in the main event of which Khamzat Chimaev met with Sean Strickland (the Russian mixed martial artist, now representing the UAE, sensationally missed the title). Alexander Volkov also performed in the main card, who fought with the Dominican Valdo Cortez-Acosta.
Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland
Drago won five of his last six fights and should have fought for the belt a long time ago, but it's obvious that even if he defeated Acosta, he wasn't close to a title shot. Cyril Gan and Alex Pereira will fight for the interim belt, and then the winner will face Tom Aspinall.
Cortez-Acosta had a great year in 2025, fought six fights and won five of them. In early 2026, Acosta knocked out Lewis and went on to a series of three knockouts in a row. The fight against Volkov was a great opportunity to decide who had earned more for the title holder: a stable veteran or a bright prospect. In a sporting sense, the winner of this match should definitely become the next contender, but in reality everything can happen differently.
Alexander Volkov and Valdo Cortez-Acosta
The match took place on May 9th, based on local time. Therefore, it turned out to be symbolic of Volkov's appearance in a cage with a Russian flag and under the song "Katyusha", which accompanies him not for the first time in battle. From the opening minutes, Alexander began actively hitting low kicks, alternating them with body punches. Acosta worked as number one and tried to reach his opponent's head, but he did not allow him to break the distance. In the middle of the round, the Dominican delivered a series of several accurate hits, which caused Volkov to be a little confused, but he quickly regained control of the situation. Waldo continued to throw accurate punches, which looked nervous and dangerous for Alexander.
Title prospects
In the second segment, Volkov tried to transfer his opponent, but he resisted. In the stand, Drago was noticeably inferior to Acosta in speed, repeatedly missing accurate shots. A couple of minutes before the siren, the Russian was definitely hit, and the opponent was clearly shocked, but Alexander was in no hurry to finish off. He also delivered a precise high kick, but Waldo stayed on his feet, and the round soon ended.
At the beginning of the third five minutes, Acosta hit Volkov in the eye with his finger, but Alexander quickly recovered and continued the fight. After that, the Dominican started hacking, but the Russian did not support him in this. However, Acosta delivered accurate blows, and they clearly affected Volkov. In the last seconds of the fight, the rivals still entered the exchange, but Waldo emerged as the winner.
Alexander Volkov and Valdo Cortez-Acosta
The judges unanimously saw Volkov's victory. — 30:27, 29:28, 29:28. Alexander won a difficult fight.
"Volkov has all the problems inside,— former UFC champion Oleg Taktarov told Izvestia. — The one who is stronger than Alexander has leg problems, and Alexander will defeat all the others. Volkov can only lose to himself. And it looks like he's started this trend. Dana White returned the favor for his fight with Gan at the end of 2024, but in the next fight he needs to do something with his emotions. We need to get out of this state. I've taken him out twice—I know all about him. A fighter should be hungry, emotionally rested, and nothing should put pressure on him. And when you're in a foreign country that you don't particularly like, and with an environment that you don't like either, then it won't be easy. You're an adult guy, and the devil knows what's going on, you don't really have a personal life. We must manage to get out of this state. He needs to have two or three fights and finish. I'll call him, and if he wants, I'll bring Alexander back to a high level. It will be an emotional uplift. He'll have a fortune like the times we were together. We had a clear understanding with him.
Alexander Volkov and Valdo Cortez-Acosta
After the fight, Volkov turned to the dissatisfied audience (booed the winner) and reminded them of the holiday, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9. Alexander also called himself the main contender for the title — let's believe that these words will be heard in the leadership of the UFC.
In the meantime, his title prospects are vague. Defeating Acosta did not make him the next man to fight for the belt. After the match between Cyril Gan and Alex Pereira, the best of the pair will face undisputed champion Tom Aspinall. Moreover, there will also be a fight between Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis at the White House. If Hokit wins, the UFC will also want to see him against the champion.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
