Alexander Volkov defeated Rizvan Kuniev via unanimous decision at UFC 333 on Oct. 24, 2026, then asked UFC CEO Dana White for a title shot.
The Story
Alexander Volkov scored a unanimous decision win over Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Volkov won the heavyweight bout 29-28, 30-27, 30-27, improving to 15-5 in UFC action as he outworked Kuniev, who entered at 2-2 in the promotion.
The fight featured early momentum shifts. Kuniev connected with a push kick before Volkov responded with a one-two and a big right that drew Kuniev’s attention.
Volkov mixed in low kicks and body kicks, and after an accidental low blow caused a pause, he continued to attack Kuniev’s legs. Kuniev later clinched and Volkov landed a knee.
In Round 2, Kuniev pressed forward with punches while both fighters worked in close quarters, with Volkov reversing Kuniev against the cage and landing strikes including a left jab.
Kuniev landed an uppercut and a cross during the round, but Volkov countered with a hard body kick and maintained pressure as the action continued.
Volkov also showed control late in the second round, initiating a clinch and stacking Kuniev against the cage as both fighters approached the bell.
In Round 3, Kuniev started with more urgency, charging with a big combination that included a spinning back kick to the body. Volkov answered with body kicks, and the two traded in the pocket.
Kuniev connected with a spinning back fist, but Volkov then tripped him and took his back. Volkov worked for a rear-naked choke but did not finish as the round ended with the buzzer sounding.
After the fight, Volkov re-introduced himself to UFC CEO Dana White and asked for a title shot following his third straight win.
Other results from the UFC 333 main card included: Aaron Pico defeating Losene Keita via TKO (punches) at 1:14 of Round 1; Dominick Reyes defeating Azamat Murzakanov via KO (headkick) at 2:40 of Round 1; Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev defeating Nikita Krylov via TKO (punches) at 2:38 of Round 1; Abus Magomedov defeating Cam Rowston via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:44 of Round 1; Grant Dawson defeating Nurullo Aliev via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27); Colby Thicknesse defeating Asaf Chopurov via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28); Daniel Santos defeating Bolaji Oki via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28); Kody Steele defeating Noah Gugnon via KO (punch) at 3:54 of Round 1; and Iasmin Lucindo defeating Nicolle Caliari via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
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