Watch out, Poatan! The 2-meter-tall Russian giant overcomes the UFC knockout artist and becomes a threat for the heavyweight title.

Volkov during a fight at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Alexander Volkov ignored the good moment experienced by Waldo Cortes Acosta No. UFC 328At the event held this Saturday (9), in New Jersey (USA), the two-meter-tall Russian giant 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 overtaking Acosta, the Russian defeated... Jailton Malhadinho By split decision. Now, the athlete, ranked second in the prestigious category, has moved closer to a title shot and, consequently, has become a threat to... Alex Poatán, Cyryl Gane e Tom aspinallIn fact, the giant mentioned the trio as a target.

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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

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Sean Strickland derrotou Khamzat Shimaev by split decision of the judges (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) and won the belt.

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van derrotou Tatsuro Taira by technical knockout (punches) at 1:32 of round 5 and defended the belt.

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Alexander Volkov derrotou Waldo Cortes Acosta by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sean brady derrotou Joaquin buckley by unanimous decision of the judges (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): King Green derrotou Jeremy Stephens via submission (rear naked choke) at 4min20s of R1

PRELIMINARY CARD

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier defeated Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punches) at 1:10 of R2

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Yaroslav Amosov defeated Joel alvarez by submission (Katagatame) at 1:13 of Round 2

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Grant dawson derrotou Mateusz Rebecki via submission (rear naked choke) at 4min48s of R3

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Jim Miller derrotou Jared gordon via submission (guillotine) at 3min29s of R1

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Roman Kopylov derrotou Marcus Tullius Learn by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): pat sabatini derrotou William Gomis by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Baisangur Susurkaev defeated Djorden Santos via submission (rear naked choke) at 4min12s of R3

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Jose Ochoa derrotou Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)