Former champion Stipe Miocic admits he is glad he never had to fight Alexander Volkov, backing the veteran contender.
Alexander Volkov secured a unanimous decision victory over Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 inside Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The dominant win solidifies the status of Volkov in the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight division, though the 38-year-old contender remains trapped in heavyweight no-man's-land due to shifting title picture dynamics, according to information published by mmamania.
Despite his stellar run, potential title fights involving Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira could once again delay a championship opportunity for the Russian martial artist known as Drago, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
Stipe Miocic praises super tough contender Volkov
Retired heavyweight great Stipe Miocic recently shared high praise for the Russian contender during an interview, highlighting his durability and extensive experience facing top-tier competition inside the Octagon.
Miocic stated that Volkov has fought everyone and remains super tough, adding that he always roots for the 38-year-old athlete because of his unique fighting style and consistency.
The former titleholder explicitly confessed that he is glad he never had to share the cage with Drago, expressing confidence that Volkov will capture the heavyweight belt if given a proper title opportunity.
Navigating heavyweight division hurdles and rankings
The journey toward a championship bout has proven difficult for Volkov, who recently surpassed Alex Pereira in the UFC 333 rankings update following a stellar performance on Fight Island.
Volkov has spent nearly a decade competing at the highest level of the organization, compiling a remarkable record of 7-1 across his last eight appearances in the weight class.
His lone official setback during this impressive stretch came via a controversial decision loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 310, though he has since bounced back with three consecutive victories.
Missed championship opportunities throughout UFC career
The timing of the heavyweight division has historically worked against Volkov, whose first major title eliminator slipped away following a decision loss to Ciryl Gane back in 2021.
Had he secured that victory, Volkov could have challenged Derrick Lewis for the interim heavyweight title after Francis Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic.
Even former champion Francis Ngannou previously discussed a potential matchup with Volkov before turning down the bout and criticizing the promotion over scheduling issues.
Chasing championship glory at age 38
At 38 years old, time is of the essence for the veteran fighter, who cannot afford an extended layoff while waiting for the division to sort itself out.
Potential blockbusters featuring Tom Aspinall or a possible clash involving Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 could further complicate the title picture.
Nevertheless, Miocic remains convinced that one clean title opportunity is all Volkov needs to finally get the job done and claim the ultimate prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Alexander Volkov defeat at UFC 333?
Alexander Volkov defeated Rizvan Kuniev via unanimous decision at UFC 333 inside Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on October 24, 2026.
What did Stipe Miocic say about Alexander Volkov?
Stipe Miocic praised Volkov as a super tough competitor, admitted he is glad he never fought him, and stated that Volkov will get the job done if given a title opportunity.
Why is Alexander Volkov struggling to get a title shot?
Volkov is stuck in heavyweight no-man's-land because potential title paths involving Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira could allow other fighters to leapfrog him in the rankings.
What is Alexander Volkov's recent record in the UFC?
Alexander Volkov holds an impressive 7-1 record across his last eight UFC appearances, with his only blemish being a controversial decision loss to Ciryl Gane.
