UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov spoke with TASS about his fight on Victory Day (May 9), stating he "completed the mission." The interview was conducted by Igor Lazorin for TASS. Details of what Volkov said about the fight itself are limited in the post, but the timing on Russia's most significant national holiday appears to have added special meaning to his performance.
Alexander Volkov sat down with Russian state news agency TASS on May 11 to reflect on his most recent UFC heavyweight bout, which took place on Victory Day — May 9 — Russia's most significant national holiday.
Volkov, known by his nickname "Drago," told interviewer Igor Lazorin that he "completed the mission," suggesting a sense of personal and patriotic satisfaction in the timing of the performance. The full scope of his remarks was not widely detailed, but the symbolism of competing on Victory Day appeared to carry extra weight for the Russian fighter.
The 37-year-old stands as the top-ranked contender in the UFC heavyweight division, carrying a record of 40 wins and 11 losses. At six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, Volkov is one of the most physically imposing fighters in the sport. Fighting out of Russia's Strela Team in an orthodox stance, he has built his reputation largely on the feet, landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 57 percent — both elite numbers for the heavyweight class.
Why it matters
- Volkov is the number one ranked heavyweight contender, meaning any performance adds to his case for a title shot.
- Victory Day carries deep cultural significance in Russia, lending additional narrative weight to a win on that date.
- His combination of reach, output, and accuracy makes him a persistent stylistic challenge for any heavyweight on the roster.
