Alexander Volkov to Face Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 on October 24

Two Russian heavyweights will meet at UFC 333 on October 24, with Alexander Volkov set to face Rizvan Kuniev. The event takes place in Abu Dhabi and streams on Paramount+ at 2pm ET.

Volkov, 37, enters the bout ranked second in the heavyweight division with a record of 40-11-0. Known as "Drago," he trains out of Strela Team and fights from an orthodox stance. His size is a defining feature: he stands six-foot-seven, or 201 cm, with an 80-inch reach. That length feeds a high-output, accurate striking game, as he lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.

Kuniev, 34, holds the number seven spot at heavyweight and carries a record of 14-3-1. He represents Gorets Fight Club and also fights orthodox. At six-foot-four, or 193 cm, with a 76-inch reach, he gives up three inches in height and four in reach to Volkov. His striking numbers sit a little lower, at 3.94 significant strikes per minute with 54 percent accuracy, but he brings more wrestling to the table. Kuniev averages 0.98 takedowns per 15 minutes, compared with 0.57 for Volkov.

Why it matters

• Rankings stakes: a top-two contender meets a fighter ranked seven spots from the top, so the bout carries weight in the upper tier of the heavyweight division.
• Style contrast: Volkov's reach and volume striking face Kuniev's higher takedown rate, which could shape how the fight is contested.
• Russian matchup: both men come from Russia, adding a familiar-opponent dimension to a heavyweight pairing between established names.
• Experience gap: Volkov has 51 professional fights on his ledger, against 18 for Kuniev.

Neither fighter has submission attempts as a major part of his résumé. Volkov averages 0.2 per 15 minutes, while Kuniev has none, which points to a fight likely decided on the feet or through wrestling exchanges.