Alexander Volkov has publicly criticized many heavyweights for relying on a single powerful punch rather than developing well-rounded skills. Using a video game analogy, Volkov compared these fighters to tanks with one strong attack that deals heavy damage. He specifically named Sergei Pavlovich, Derrick Lewis, Jailton Almeida, and Marcos Rogerio de Lima as examples. Volkov expressed frustration with fighting such opponents and emphasized his preference for continuous improvement and learning new techniques. He stated that he focuses on becoming a better mixed martial artist rather than just pursuing a title shot.
Alexander Volkov has gone on record criticizing a segment of the heavyweight division for leaning on raw power over technique, singling out several prominent names as examples of the trend he finds limiting.
The Russian heavyweight, known as "Drago," made the remarks in a recent interview, reaching for a video game analogy to make his point. He likened certain big men to tanks built around a single devastating attack — capable of enormous damage but lacking the all-around development he values. Volkov named Sergei Pavlovich, Derrick Lewis, Jailton Almeida, and Marcos Rogerio de Lima among those he had in mind. He made clear his frustration with facing that style and said his own focus remains on continuous improvement as a mixed martial artist rather than simply chasing a title opportunity.
At 37, Volkov holds the number-one contender spot in the UFC heavyweight division and carries a record of 40 wins and 11 losses. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, the Strela Team product is one of the most technically active strikers in the weight class, landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Almeida, ranked fifth at heavyweight, brings a sharply contrasting profile. The 35-year-old Brazilian holds a 22-5 record and averages an exceptional 5.64 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.7 submission attempts — numbers that reflect the grappling-heavy identity Volkov appears to be critiquing at least in part.
De Lima, a 41-year-old Brazilian veteran out of American Top Team, owns a 22-10-1 record and lands 3.70 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Volkov's comments come as the number-one contender, giving his critique added weight in the divisional conversation.
- His philosophy of well-rounded development stands in direct contrast to the power-first tendencies he describes in the named fighters.
- The remarks keep Volkov visible and relevant in the heavyweight title picture without requiring an official fight announcement.
