Volkov ML Locked In For UFC 333 Weekend Bet

Alexander Volkov's moneyline is drawing sharp money ahead of UFC 333 this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

MMAmania.com's Alexander Behunin locked in the No. 2-ranked heavyweight at -118 against rising contender Rizvan Kuniev, citing the Russian veteran's size advantage and technical striking superiority. Volkov stands 6'7" with an 80-inch reach, giving him three inches in height and four in reach over the Dagestani challenger. Behunin noted that Volkov has lost to only two fighters in five years — former champion Tom Aspinall and current titleholder Ciryl Gane — and that he was "brutally robbed" in the second Gane bout, per the MMAmania report.

Why Volkov's Experience Edges Kuniev

The 37-year-old has won six of his last seven, with victories over Sergei Pavlovich, Jailton Almeida, Tai Tuivasa, and Waldo Cortes-Acosta on his ledger. Kuniev has never attempted a takedown in the UFC, instead relying on boxing and clinch work — a dangerous approach against a fighter who excels at controlling distance with jabs and kicks. "Unless your name is Ciryl Gane, you're probably not beating Volkov in a technical kickboxing match," Behunin wrote.

Kuniev does present risk. The 34-year-old owns wins over Almeida and Tyrell Fortune since joining the promotion and carries enough power to make Volkov uncomfortable if he closes distance. His path to victory likely runs through turning the bout into a grinding clinch battle, though Volkov's improved defensive wrestling makes that scenario less likely. The bout sits on Saturday's main card at Etihad Arena, with featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against Movsar Evloev in the headliner.

Behunin's prior weekend lock missed when Andre Fili stopped Kai Kamaka with a head kick. Volkov by decision is listed at +175, while Kuniev by decision sits at +200.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Here’s MMAmania.com’s UFC 333 betting odds ‘Weekend Lock’ … what’s yours?