Heavyweight contenders Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov clash in Australia's co-main event of UFC 293. Tai Tuivasa will be fighting in front of his compatriots in Sydney as he attempts to break his losing streak against in-form Russian Alexander Volkov. The former Bellator and M-1 Global heavyweight champion, Volkov, is on a two-match winning streak, dispatching both opponents via first-round TKOs. UFC 293 will be held at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, with the co-main on PPV.
MMA: UFC Heavyweight
Venue: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia
Where to watch: ESPN+ (PPV)
Date: 10.09.2023. 6.45
Tai Tuivasa
The Australian heavyweight may have lost his last fights against Ciryl Gane and Sergei Pavlovich by knockouts, but he showed heart and grit in a spirited performance where he twice knocked down Gane in Paris. Before the twin losses, "Bam Bam" had recorded five straight stoppages. A former professional boxer and kickboxer, Tuivasa has collected four Performance of the Night awards, including on his debut in 2017. He also has thirteen knockouts from his fourteen wins. Although he had tried to improve his decision-making and lack of patience, the Australian heavyweight was outclassed by the number-one ranked heavyweight last December.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 30
- Height: 6' 2"
- Reach: 75"
- Record: 14-5-0
Alexander Volkov
A former Bellator and M-1 Global heavyweight champion, "Drago" has been fighting in the UFC since debuting in 2016. A standup striker known for his patience and technical skills, Alexandr Volkov uses his long frame to deliver accurate strikes while staying away from danger. Currently riding a two-fight streak, the number eight-ranked heavyweight has four TKOs from his last five victories.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 6' 7"
- Reach: 80"
- Record: 36-10
Betting odds
Tai Tuivasa is the underdog at 2.70 odds on Bet9ja to cause the upset. Considering the knockout record of the two strikers, Tuivasa by KO or TKO is priced at 3.75 on 1XBET, while Volkov by KO or TKO is available at 1.909 odds. Betting on total rounds, Bet365 prices over/under 1.5 rounds at 1.83 odds each.