The MMA Daily

The main-event comes in the Heavyweight division, as Alexander “Drago” Volkov takes on Jairzinho “Bigi Boy” Rozenstruik. Coming off losses in two of the last three fights, Volkov returns the octagon needing to get back on track. Still ranked seventh in the division, Volkov has an opportunity to keep his name in the mix with a victory. Meanwhile, Rozenstruik steps into his fourth main event looking to rebound. Having traded wins and losses over the past six fights, Rozenstruik will need to find consistency if he were to ever contend for the belt.

Anytime Heavyweights step inside the octagon, more likely than not, you’re expecting a finish. While both men combine for thirty-six stoppages, they’ve been two of the more durable Heavyweights on the roster. In fifteen fights, Rozenstruik has only been stopped once via strikes to the current Champion, Francis Ngannou. As for Volkov, in forty-four fights, the Russian has only been stopped five times. With only two of those five coming via knockout. Which is more relevant, given Rozenstruik is a pure striker with zero submission victories in his career.

As for a prediction, I have Volkov winning. One of the best Heavyweights on the roster, Volkov, despite his recent stumbles, has largely been a consistent fighter. His four losses in the UFC have only come to the best, as evident by the fact that they all rank within the top six of the Heavyweight division. A striker, who doesn’t possess knockout power like Rozenstruik, Volkov leans on his volume and cardio to break fighters down over time. While his takedown defense has failed him numerous times, against a pure striker in Rozenstruik, the towering Russian won’t have to worry about being taken down. Obviously durability is key in a fight against a heavy handed foe, which I believe Volkov has proven time and time again that he can endure punishment. Another reason why I like Volkov in this fight, is that Rozenstruik is a hesitant striker. Aside from his fight against Alistair Overeem where he landed 89 significant strikes in roughly 25 minutes of action, the next highest strike total the Suriname native landed was a mere 42. A number that Volkov has eclipsed in ten of his twelve fights inside the octagon. With that said, I predict that Volkov will outpoint Rozenstruik, winning via decision.