Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev
UFC 333 · October 24, 2026 · Etihad Arena · Main Card 2:00 PM ET
The brief
- What kind of fight
- Veteran power vs. ranked contender
- Finish likelihood
- High
- The line
- No line posted yet
- The stakes
- Heavyweight · Main Card
The read
Both men finish at a high rate, which raises the odds of an early night.
Volkov's experience against elite heavyweight competition is the deepest resource he brings, but Kuniev's ranking and recent form suggest he is the man on the rise in this matchup.
The matchup
This is a veteran-versus-contender heavyweight matchup with real rankings stakes.
Volkov's kickboxing background and finishing rate have kept him relevant across a long UFC career, while Kuniev's own well-rounded finishing ability and top-five ranking make him a live threat to hand the veteran a statement loss.
Tale of the tape
| 40-11 | Record | 14-3-1 |
| 37 | Age | 34 |
| — | Height | — |
| — | Reach | — |
| — | Stance | — |
| Russia | Country | Russia |
| — | Team | — |
The numbers
Career UFC averages. Red bar = statistical edge.
The fighters
Alexander Volkov 40-11
“Drago”
Alexander 'Drago' Volkov is a 37-year-old Russian heavyweight and long-tenured UFC veteran from Moscow, with 24 of his 40 career wins coming by knockout. He faces surging heavyweight contender Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
UFC debut — no prior UFC bouts.
Rizvan Kuniev 14-3-1
Rizvan Kuniev is a 34-year-old Russian heavyweight ranked in the division's top five, with a well-rounded 14-3-1 record built on a strong finishing rate. His record also includes a no contest not reflected in the win-loss total. He faces long-tenured veteran Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight clash with rankings implications.
UFC debut — no prior UFC bouts.