Alexander Volkov didn’t need a slugfest and as an alternative showcased a sensible, tactical recreation plan to outduel Sergei Pavlovich within the UFC Saudi Arabia co-main occasion.
With dimension and attain on his facet, Volkov used that to his benefit as he stayed on the surface and acted like a sniper with lengthy punches that simply mashed Pavlovich within the face all through the battle. When time expired within the third spherical, Pavlovich had blood dripping down his face and a nasty mouse forming beneath his eye, which confirmed simply how a lot injury Volkov inflicted in the course of the 15-minute battle.
The judges scored the battle 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 with Volkov incomes one of many greatest wins of his UFC profession. He has now had his hand raised in 4 straight fights.
The dangerous blood between them almost boiled over afterward when Volkov got here to supply a handshake to his former teammate and Pavlovich instantly shoved him away.
“I simply got here to say thanks for an ideal battle, he was mad as a result of I used to be combating him,” Volkov stated in regards to the altercation. “It wasn’t something dangerous for him.”
A part of that interplay most likely got here right down to Pavlovich expressing his frustration after he did not get any important offense going within the battle. As standard, Pavlovich got here out aggressive, throwing large bombs, however he simply couldn’t discover a residence for his greatest punches.
In return, Volkov caught a lead left in Pavlovich’s face whereas displaying warning to not get drawn right into a firefight along with his heavy-handed opponent. Many times, Volkov fired off that very same jab that opened a reduce on the nostril as Pavlovich struggled to chop off the cage or get inside on his fellow Russian.
There have been fleeting moments when Pavlovich was capable of unleash his greatest energy punches, however he was largely following Volkov’s lead as he circled across the octagon. Volkov continued to pepper away at him along with his boxing whereas additionally mixing in some good calf kicks that additionally slowed Pavlovich down.
Whereas it was an understandably irritating battle for him, Pavlovich was nonetheless harmful after he clipped Volkov with a stiff punch late within the second spherical that made the veteran heavyweight get again on his bike to make sure he didn’t take a fight-ending shot.
The first key for Volkov was not letting his protection lapse, particularly within the few moments the place he determined to chew down on his mouthpiece and commerce punches with Pavlovich on the ft. There have been a couple of exchanges had been it seemed like Pavlovich would possibly unload a knockout shot, however Volkov averted that destiny whereas staying lively with the identical lead jab that paid dividends all through the battle.
There was little question Volkov had executed greater than sufficient to win as he celebrated the unanimous choice victory. Now on a win streak, he’s hoping a shot at UFC gold could also be in his future.
“Jon Jones could be an ideal battle for me,” Volkov stated. “Large attain, huge man. For my legacy right here, I fought all my life. It might be a pleasant problem.”