This is the UFC 333 live blog for Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev, the main card heavyweight bout Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The matchup pits two top 10 contenders against one another, with Volkov at No. 4 and Kuniev at No. 9 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings.
Volkov (40-11) has made a strong case for a title shot with back-to-back wins over Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Jailton Almeida to make it six victories in his past seven fights. His lone loss during that stretch was a contentious split decision loss to Ciryl Gane, who is set to defend his recently elevated undisputed title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on Nov. 14. Can Volkov finally secure a championship opportunity if he gets past Kuniev?
In just three UFC appearances, Kuniev (14-3-1, 1 NC) has broken out from the middle of the pack, earning his ranking with wins over Almeida and Tyrell Fortune. Outside of a split decision loss to Curtis Blaydes in his UFC debut, Kuniev has been nearly unbeatable since 2017, though his run is marred by a positive drug test during his time with PFL in 2023. Kuniev looks to shake up the rankings and break into the top 5 with a win over Volkov.
Check out the UFC 333 live blog for Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev below.
Preamble
Ok, we’re now on four-fight finishing streak following Aaron Pico’s incredible showing — and all in the first round. Will the big boys get things done quickly in Abu Dhabi? We’re watching you guys, Volkov and Kuniev.
These two Russian heavyweights have trained together (briefly) in the past and the tension has been boiling through interviews over the past few days, so this one could be explosive.
Round 1
No glove touch there, and Kuniev immediately pushes Volkov backwards with a kick. Volkov with a one-two that connects, followed by a right hand. They stare at each other for over a minute now. Volkov with an inside leg kick, and “Volkov!” chants echo in the arena. Kuniev pushes forward and Volkov fire back as they trade punches wildly for a few seconds. Volkov has a small cut over his right eye. Volkov again marches forward throwing straight punches and they clinch for a moment against the fence, but quickly separate. Volkov has now accidentally landed a kick to Kuniev’s private areas, and they halt the action for a moment. Kuniev is good to continue, and Volkov manages to keep him apart with his striking and long reach advantage. They clinch, and Volkov lands a knee now. Head kick attempt for Volkov, and one to the body (that misses) before time runs out.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkov.
Round 2
We see a second round for the first time in a while now, and Kuniev rushes forward aggressively with a overhand right — but eats a left jab in return. They clinch, and Kuniev elbows Volkov’s leg before they separate again. Volkov rocks Kuniev with a jab, and they clinch once again in the center of the cage. Kuniev connects an uppercut and overhand when they break, but nothing massive. Kuniev with a great superman punch that lands. Volkov responds a good left kick to the body. Kuniev having a hard time closing the distance without eating jabs. Overhand right for Kuniev from a mile away. Volkov with a jumping knee in the clinch, and his coaches call for a head kick. Kuniev connects a good right hand, though, and that’s it for the second round. Close round.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkov. Overall, 20-18 Volkov.
Round 3
Kuniev lands a good right hand as Volkov fires away a leg kick! Spinning back kick attempt for Kuniev (that may look good in a photo for Instagram, but not in real life). A leg kick connects and appears to hurt Kuniev now — official stats indicate that that was the 19th strike to the leg by Volkov. Kuniev lands a spinning back elbow and Volkov somehow doesn’t even blink. Volkov keeps aiming at Kuniev’s lead leg with kicks, slowing him down. Jab for Volkov. Another one. And another inside leg kick. Knee to the body by Volkov. Another leg kick now drops Kuniev off balance, and Volkov has his back with 75 seconds left go! Volkov going for a rear-naked choke with a minute to go but Kuniev manages to survive to hear the final horn.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkov. Overall, 30-27 Volkov.
Official result: Alexander Volkov def. Rizvan Kuniev via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Post-fight
Birthday-boy Volkov uses his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier to replicate his bit from earlier this week at the UFC 333 press conference, asking UFC CEO Dana White what should he do to get a shot at the heavyweight title.
