When breaking down this fight we need to decide if Rizan’s last fight was an anomaly or if thats who he is now. Because if thats who he is, a guy with insane cardio and pressure, then he can absolutely win this fight. But if he’s more like the guy who fought Jailton and Blaydes, then he doesn’t win. I think Volkov is just better. He has high fight IQ, he has great striking, he has solid defensive wrestling, he has better range management. My genuine only concern is that last fight because if Rizvan comes in here with that same forward pressure and volume, then range management won’t matter. The pick will be Volkov though because I think Rizvan had the success he did because Tyrell isn’t very mobile sand could be walked down. Volkov won’t be standing there, so Volkov is the pick.

Alexander Volkov

Alexander Volkov is a top 10 heavyweight and has been for 8 years. He is a very good striker with high fight IQ and speed, bit not power. He picks his shots well and will adapt in a fight. He is not a big power guy but his volume and timing suit him well enough to get the occasional finish. He is a very durable guy who has fought the literal best in the division since his UFC debut in 2016. He is coming off the decision win over Waldo Cortes Acosta where he was a few steps ahead in the striking.

Rizvan Kuniev

Rizvan Kuniev is a former steroid user who is now clean. He likes to throw wild to close distance and then grapple. He has decent leg kicks, but also likes winging punches. When he closes distance he looks to grind you to the cage and work you to the ground. On top he has solid control. We haven’t seen a ton of offensive wrestling from him recently but it’s there if he needs it. He is coming off the impressive win over Tyrell Fortune where his cardio was insane, his pressure was insane and his chin was insane.