Alexander Volkov defeated Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision at UFC 328 and immediately called for a heavyweight title shot. In his post-fight speech, Volkov emphasized that May 9 is an important Russian holiday commemorating victory in World War II, making it an honor to compete on that date. He acknowledged Cortes-Acosta as a tough and dangerous opponent who is difficult to hit. Volkov declared himself the top contender in the heavyweight division and stated he is ready to fight for the belt. He specifically named Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, and Alex Pereira as potential opponents, saying he will fight anyone for the championship.
Alexander Volkov extended his run as one of heavyweight's most dangerous contenders on May 9, earning a unanimous decision victory over Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328 and wasting no time demanding a shot at the division's top prize.
Volkov, who fights out of Russia's Strela Team under the nickname "Drago," enters the title conversation with a 40-11-0 record and a commanding physical profile — standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach. At 37, the division's number-one-ranked heavyweight lands an impressive 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy, underscoring his reputation as a polished, high-volume striker. In his post-fight remarks, Volkov noted that competing on May 9 — a date that holds deep significance in Russia as Victory Day — made the performance feel especially meaningful. He called Cortes-Acosta a tough and dangerous opponent who was difficult to hit cleanly.
Standing across any potential title matchup would be heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall of England. The 33-year-old holds a 15-3-0 record and ranks sixth pound-for-pound, operating at a blistering 7.63 significant strikes per minute with 67 percent accuracy and an active grappling game averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes. Also in the heavyweight picture is France's Ciryl Gane, ranked second in the division at 36 years old with a 14-2-0 record. "Bon Gamin" carries an 81-inch reach — the longest of any fighter in this conversation — and lands 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy. Volkov named both Aspinall and Gane, along with Alex Pereira, as opponents he is prepared to face for the championship.
Why it matters
- Volkov's number-one divisional ranking backs up his title claim with tangible standing.
- A potential Volkov-Aspinall matchup would pit the division's two most prolific strikers against each other.
- Gane's presence at number two means the heavyweight title picture is crowded at the top, adding urgency to any promotional decision on a next contender.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
