Ciryl Gane is set to take on Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title in a highly anticipated bout. Heading into the fight, Pereira is a slight -115 favorite while Gane is a -105 underdog, but Volkov, who has fought Gane, disagrees.
Not only does Volkov believe Gane will beat Pereira, but he thinks it will be a one-sided win, as he thinks the Brazilian will struggle at heavyweight.
“Honestly, Ciryl is more favorite right now,” Volkov said UFC 328 media day. “He has really great footwork. I respect Alex Pereira and his power, but I don’t know how he will show up in the heavyweight division. And I don’t know how he will do with Ciryl Gane’s style in the Pctagon because Pereira needs to pressure the guy and work on counterattacks, and Ciryl Gane don’t give him the opportunity. He just punches and kicks and moves a lot. It’s a hard thing for Alex Pereira to solve in the fight. I’m not sure he can do this.”
Alexander Volkov looking to cement title shot at UFC 328
Volkov will also be paying close attention to the fight, as the Russian is close to a title shot. Although the fight is for the interim belt, when Tom Aspinall will be able to fight again is uncertain, so perhaps, if Volkov wins at UFC 328, he could earn a title shot.
“I understand my position right now in the division. Maybe I need to show better performances, better show to fight for the belt, so I will just try to do this,” Volkov added.
Volkov is set to take on Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the main card of UFC 328 in a pivotal fight for the heavyweight division. The Russian is coming off a split decision win over Jailton Almeida after a split decision loss to Ciryl Gane. Before the controversial loss to Gane, Volkov was on a four-fight winning streak.
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