Alexander Volkov celebrated his 38th birthday with his 20th UFC win.
The veteran heavyweight dominated Rizvan Kuniev to pick up a much-needed win Saturday at UFC 333 inside Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. The unanimous decision verdict (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) continues Volkov’s recent hot streak and, more importantly, keeps his name in title contention just days after the Russian’s viral exchange with CEO Dana White at UFC 333’s pre-fight press conference.
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Volkov (41-11) led the dance from the opening horn, attacking Round 1 like he had a point to prove. Using his towering 6-foot-7 frame, he steadily butchered Kuniev (14-4-1, 1 NC) with with kicks, long punches and knees inside in the pocket, then rode that pace throughout the rest of the bout, often leaving Kuniev frustrated and unable to get much going on the feet.
Volkov closed the show by taking Kuniev’s back in the final 90 seconds and spending the waning moments of the bout hunting for a rear-naked choke, though Kuniev ultimately survived to reach the final bell.
Volkov entered UFC 333 as the division’s No. 4-ranked heavyweight contender, having won six of his past seven fights. His lone loss during that stretch came in a controversial late-2024 split decision against the current champion, Ciryl Gane, a result many believed should have gone Volkov’s way.
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Despite that impressive run, though, the Russian has repeatedly found himself on the outside of the title picture looking in. Most recently, he was passed over in favor of Josh Hokit for a shot at Gane’s heavyweight championship at UFC 334, leaving Volkov to face another rising contender in Kuniev instead.
That frustration led to one of the more bizarre moments of UFC 333 fight week. During Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, Volkov stepped up to a microphone in the audience and jokingly asked UFC CEO Dana White what he needed to do to earn a title shot. White initially appeared not to recognize the 20-fight UFC veteran, asking about his record, age and experience.
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The exchange quickly went viral, although White later insisted he knew it was Volkov all along and was simply playing along with the joke.
Volkov once again played into the moment Saturday following his victory.
“It was a good fight. I have a question for Dana White,” Volkov said in his post-fight interview. “I’m just starting my professional career, and I have about 20 professional fights in UFC. What should I do to [get] a title shot? Answer me, please.”
If nothing else, the UFC boss is probably is a little more familiar with Volkov’s work after the events of the past week.
