Alexander Volkov shared his thoughts on the recent fight between Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hockit, calling it an impressive and entertaining bout. He noted that it was the type of fight fans love to watch, with two big heavyweights trading strikes to the face for three full rounds with significant blood and action. However, Volkov expressed concern about the sustainability of such a fighting style, suggesting that taking that much damage repeatedly can break a fighter down over time. He questioned whether Hockit can continue to perform at this level and absorb such punishment fight after fight, despite the impressive showing. Volkov emphasized that no matter how tough someone acts, they still feel pain, and repeatedly enduring such damage makes it difficult to keep returning to the octagon.
Alexander Volkov has weighed in on the recent heavyweight clash between Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hockit, praising the bout as an entertaining showcase while raising questions about the long-term toll such fights take on a fighter's body.
Volkov, the number-one ranked heavyweight contender, called it exactly the kind of fight that fans want to see — two big men standing in front of each other and trading heavy shots for three full rounds, with significant blood and constant action. The 37-year-old Russian, who fights out of Strela Team and carries a 40-11-0 professional record, stopped short of pure admiration, however. He voiced concern over whether absorbing that level of punishment on a consistent basis is sustainable for any fighter, regardless of how tough they appear.
The Dragon, who stands six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach and lands strikes at a rate of 4.78 significant strikes per minute with a 57 percent accuracy rate, specifically questioned Hockit's ability to continue returning to the octagon after enduring such punishment. He made clear that no matter how much a fighter projects toughness, the pain is real and the cumulative damage adds up over time.
Blaydes, the number-four ranked heavyweight in the division, brought his 19-6-0 record into that contest. The 35-year-old American out of Elevation Fight Team stands six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach and is one of the sport's most prolific wrestlers, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes. That he was involved in a bloody stand-up war speaks to the chaotic nature of the fight.
Why it matters
- Volkov sits one spot above Blaydes in the heavyweight rankings, making his public commentary on the division carry genuine weight
- The durability question Volkov raises around Hockit could shape how the heavyweight picture develops in coming months
- A war of attrition in the heavyweight division has lasting implications, given the damage big men inflict on one another
