How AgentMMA breaks down Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev
Finish Maps
UFC Record Breakdown
Performance Stats
Performance Breakdown
Performance Breakdown
Last Opponents
Two Russian heavyweights are about to throw down in Abu Dhabi, and this one's got serious title implications. Alexander Volkov meets Rizvan Kuniev in what's being called a title eliminator, meaning the winner gets a clear path to challenge for UFC gold in 2027. Volkov's been on a tear lately, grinding out wins over Waldo Cortes Acosta and Jailton Almeida, plus that wild split decision over Ciryl Gane back in December. The dude's been in there with everyone and knows how to get it done when it matters. Kuniev's the hungry contender here, coming off a nasty knee knockout of Tyrell Fortune in July and a decision win over that same Jailton Almeida guy back in February. He's ranked fifth and clearly ready to make noise in the division.
- Winner gets heavyweight title shot in 2027
- Volkov's experience versus Kuniev's hungry momentum
- Both beat Jailton Almeida in their last few fights
Expect the real fireworks in rounds two and three when the gas tanks get tested and someone starts breaking.
This fight got announced during the UFC 330 broadcast in August, and both guys have been locked in ever since. Kuniev even posted from media day in Philly, showing he's treating this like the biggest opportunity of his career. Here's what makes this interesting. Volkov's got that slick striking and crazy reach at heavyweight, plus he's shown he can mix in takedowns when needed (landed three on Gane). Kuniev brings that Dagestan wrestling pedigree and clearly has knockout power, as Fortune found out the hard way. Both guys are orthodox, both from Russia, so there's no feeling out process here.
They know each other's games. The stakes are massive. Winner gets a title shot against whoever comes out on top between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. That's the kind of fight that changes careers, and you know both these dudes are going to leave everything in there.
Premium analysis preview is ready.
Loading secure checkout…
Alexander Volkov
Alexander Volkov finish map
UFC Record Breakdown
Alexander Volkov breakdown
Performance Breakdown
Alexander Volkov's recent form
Two Russian heavyweights are about to throw down in Abu Dhabi, and this one's got serious title implications. Alexander Volkov meets Rizvan Kuniev in what's being called a title eliminator, meaning the winner gets a clear path to challenge for UFC gold in 2027. Volkov's been on a tear lately, grinding out wins over Waldo Cortes Acosta and Jailton Almeida, plus that wild split decision over Ciryl Gane back in December. The dude's been in there with everyone and knows how to get it done when it matters. Kuniev's the hungry contender here, coming off a nasty knee knockout of Tyrell Fortune in July and a decision win over that same Jailton Almeida guy back in February. He's ranked fifth and clearly ready to make noise in the division.
- Winner gets heavyweight title shot in 2027
- Volkov's experience versus Kuniev's hungry momentum
- Both beat Jailton Almeida in their last few fights
Expect the real fireworks in rounds two and three when the gas tanks get tested and someone starts breaking.
This fight got announced during the UFC 330 broadcast in August, and both guys have been locked in ever since. Kuniev even posted from media day in Philly, showing he's treating this like the biggest opportunity of his career. Here's what makes this interesting. Volkov's got that slick striking and crazy reach at heavyweight, plus he's shown he can mix in takedowns when needed (landed three on Gane). Kuniev brings that Dagestan wrestling pedigree and clearly has knockout power, as Fortune found out the hard way. Both guys are orthodox, both from Russia, so there's no feeling out process here.
They know each other's games. The stakes are massive. Winner gets a title shot against whoever comes out on top between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. That's the kind of fight that changes careers, and you know both these dudes are going to leave everything in there.
Premium analysis preview is ready.
Loading secure checkout…
Rizvan Kuniev
Rizvan Kuniev finish map
UFC Record Breakdown
Rizvan Kuniev breakdown
Performance Breakdown
Rizvan Kuniev's recent form
