Alexander “Drago” Volkov stands as one of the most polished and consistent heavyweights of his era, blending towering reach, clinical striking, and tactical discipline. As he prepares to face Jailton Almeida at UFC 321, the Russian veteran looks to further his title aspirations and prove once again that skill and composure can neutralize raw athleticism. Here are his three most impactful UFC performances to date:
1. Volkov vs. Sergei Pavlovich – UFC on ABC 6 (Riyadh)
In a massive showdown between two Russian powerhouses, Volkov delivered a masterclass in distance control and defensive awareness. Facing one of the division’s most feared knockout artists, he dictated the pace with sharp jabs, leg kicks, and clinch control, earning a unanimous decision victory. The performance showcased Volkov’s maturity, fight IQ, and ability to shut down elite-level aggression over three rounds.
2. Volkov vs. Tai Tuivasa – UFC 293 (Sydney)
Volkov surprised the MMA world by submitting the heavy-handed Tai Tuivasa with a rare Ezekiel choke in Round 2 — just the second successful application of the technique in UFC history. The unorthodox finish, combined with his dominance throughout the bout, earned Volkov widespread praise and a Submission of the Year nomination, underscoring his evolution into a complete mixed martial artist.
3. Volkov vs. Ciryl Gane – UFC 310 (Las Vegas)
Though officially a split-decision loss, Volkov’s performance against former interim champion Ciryl Gane remains one of the most debated fights of his career. Many analysts and fans scored the bout in Volkov’s favor, with even Dana White acknowledging the close nature of the contest. The razor-thin battle reinforced Volkov’s position among the heavyweight elite, capable of matching technique for technique with the very best.