Alexander Volkov has criticized many fighters in the heavyweight division for their limited, power-focused approaches. Volkov compared them to tanks in video games that rely on a single powerful strike to deal damage. He specifically mentioned fighters like Pavlovich, Derrick Lewis, Josh Hoquit, and Waldo as examples of this one-dimensional style. Volkov emphasized that he prefers mixed martial arts to be about continuous improvement and developing diverse skills rather than relying solely on knockout power. He stated that he works on improving himself because he loves learning new things in the sport, not just because he wants a title shot.
Alexander Volkov used a pointed video game analogy to take aim at the heavyweight division's fighting culture, arguing that too many big men rely on a single devastating punch rather than developing a complete skill set.
Volkov, nicknamed "Drago," enters the conversation as the No. 1-ranked heavyweight in the UFC at 37 years old. The six-foot-seven Russian, who fights out of Strela Team, carries a 40-11-0 record and backs up his criticism with numbers that suggest a more well-rounded approach: he lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent accuracy rate, well above the heavyweight average, while also mixing in takedowns and submission attempts.
Among the fighters Volkov singled out was Sergei Pavlovich, the No. 3-ranked heavyweight and fellow Russian. Pavlovich, 34, holds a 20-3-0 record and lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 44 percent and he has recorded zero submission attempts per 15 minutes. Derrick Lewis, ranked eighth at 41 years old, also drew a mention. "The Black Beast" carries a 29-14-0 record, connects at 2.46 significant strikes per minute on 49 percent accuracy, and similarly shows no submission attempts in his statistical profile.
Volkov compared these fighters to tanks in video games — slow, powerful, designed around one function. He made clear the criticism reflects a broader philosophy: he described himself as someone who trains to learn and grow within the sport, not simply to chase a title shot.
Why it matters
- Volkov is the division's No. 1 contender, so his words carry real weight in the title picture conversation
- The fighters he named — Pavlovich at No. 3 and Lewis at No. 8 — are legitimate contenders or gatekeeper-level opponents he could face
- The stylistic debate sets up a clear contrast: Volkov's volume and accuracy versus the one-punch knockout threat his rivals represent
