UFC heavyweight number five Alexander Volkov said in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net that his bout with Sergei Pavlovich makes sense from an athletic point of view.
It makes sense. Imagine someone wins and becomes a contender for the belt, most likely. A win-win for Russian fighters. We're depriving a foreigner of that chance. The UFC has done us a favor, regardless of whether Sergei or I win. Someone will be back in the title race. I think the league has a goal to have a Russian fighter at the top and next to the belt.
Alexander Volkov exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
Recall that on June 22 at the tournament in Saudi Arabia, Volkov will fight against his compatriot and former sparring partner Sergei Pavlovich.
Volkov last stepped into the octagon against Tai Tuivasa in September 2023 at UFC 293. That fight, which was stopped in the second round, ended in Alexander's favor with a submission. He has 37 wins and 10 losses on his record.