Volkov during a fight at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Alexander Volkov ignored Waldo Cortes Acosta 's good form at UFC 328. At the event held this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), the giant Russian, standing at two meters tall, made the most of his greater experience, took advantage of his height and controlled the Dominican knockout artist. After 15 minutes of fighting, the athlete prevailed against 'Salsa Boy' by unanimous decision, proving to be a force in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg).
With this result, Volkov achieved his second consecutive victory. Before defeating Acosta, the Russian overcame Jailton Malhadinho by split decision. Now, the athlete, ranked second in the prestigious division, has moved closer to a title shot and, consequently, has become a threat to Alex Poatan , Ciryl Gane , and Tom Aspinall . In fact, the giant mentioned the trio as targets.
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Perfect strategy
Much larger, Volkov relied on kicks and immediately launched a series of them. Despite the size disadvantage, Acosta was not intimidated, moved forward, and aimed a punch, but had difficulty connecting with Volkov. Even so, Acosta landed a powerful sequence of punches on Volkov. Strategically, Volkov circled the octagon and continued to distribute kicks to score points, keep Acosta away, and wear him down. Again, Acosta threw a straight punch, but it didn't connect with the Russian. At the end of the round, Acosta made a move and startled Volkov with crosses. Volkov responded, but not with as much power.
In the second round, Volkov tried to use his hands, but Acosta proved sharper and almost landed a direct hit on his face. Again, Volkov threw kicks at Acosta, who delivered occasional blitzes. Volkov startled Acosta with a high kick and a straight punch. In response, Acosta landed a powerful straight punch that exploded on Volkov's face. Then, Volkov stunned Acosta with a jab. Even though he was injured, Acosta called Volkov to fight and received another powerful punch. Confident, Volkov scored with low kicks and kicks to the body and almost surprised Acosta with a high kick. In the end, the fighters exchanged punches.
In the third and final round, Volkov continued to throw kicks. Tenacious, Acosta advanced and posed a threat with a straight right to Volkov. Focused, Volkov continued to punish Acosta with low kicks and jabs. Surprisingly, Acosta attempted a takedown but was unsuccessful. In the striking exchanges, the fighters traded jabs, with Volkov being more precise. In the end, Acosta landed two blitzes on Volkov and nearly knocked him out, but Volkov survived.
UFC 328 results
MAIN CARD
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Sean Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) and won the belt.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van defeated Tatsuro Taira by technical knockout (punches) at 1:32 of round 5 and defended his title.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Alexander Volkov defeated Waldo Cortes Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sean Brady defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): King Green defeated Jeremy Stephens by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:20 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier defeated Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punches) at 1:10 of round 2.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Yaroslav Amosov defeated Joel Alvarez by submission (Katagatame) at 1:13 of round 2.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Grant Dawson defeated Mateusz Rebecki by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:48 of round 3.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Jim Miller defeated Jared Gordon by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:29 of round 1.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Roman Kopylov defeated Marco Tulio Matuto by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Pat Sabatini defeated William Gomis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Baisangur Susurkaev defeated Djorden Santos by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:12 of round 3.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Jose Ochoa defeated Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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