Miocic Backs Volkov For UFC Gold After 333 Win

Stipe Miocic believes Alexander Volkov will capture UFC heavyweight gold if the promotion finally gives him a title shot.

Volkov extended his winning streak to three with a unanimous decision over Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 this past Saturday in Abu Dhabi, improving to 7-1 in his last eight outings. The Russian has spent nearly a decade fighting top contenders but never received a title opportunity, and his path remains blocked by former champion Tom Aspinall and the potential arrival of Alex Pereira at heavyweight.

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What Miocic Said About Volkov's Title Chances

Miocic, the most decorated heavyweight champion in UFC history, told casino.org recently that the 38-year-old Russian has all the tools to become champion. "Volkov has fought everyone. He's super tough," Miocic said, per MMA Mania. "I've always watched him and I've always rooted for him. I'm glad I never fought him, but I think if he gets the opportunity to become champion, he'll get it done."

Volkov came closest to a title shot after his 2021 decision loss to Ciryl Gane, a fight that would have positioned him for an interim belt bout against Derrick Lewis. He dropped another disputed decision to Gane at UFC 310 before rattling off his current three-fight run. Miocic noted that Volkov rarely gets blown out and fights intelligently, qualities that could carry him through a five-round championship test.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 333 on Ticketmaster →

At 38, Volkov cannot wait much longer. If Aspinall returns or Pereira knocks out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335, the Russian could remain stuck outside the title picture despite doing everything the promotion has asked.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC’s most decorated Heavyweight champion ‘glad’ he never had to fight ‘super tough’ Alexander Volkov – ‘He’ll get it done’