Heavy hitters co-headline UFC Saudi Arabia.
It’s not the fight these Russians expected, but it’s the one they got as Sergei Pavlovich takes on teammate Alexander Volkov. Putting sparring rounds aside, the heavyweights will collide this time in the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
The powerful Pavlovich had a six-fight win streak snapped in his last outing by interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in November. Other than that and a 2018 TKO loss to Alistair Overeem, the 32 year-old has looked perfect in his career with 18 wins – 15 of those coming by way of knockout, which Volkov will look to avoid at all costs.
The 6’7 Volkov has hit a bit of a career resurgence, riding a three-fight win streak after also falling to Aspinall. We’ll see if the towering contender can keep that going towards a UFC title fight.
Round 1:
Volkov lands a few leg kicks from range. Pavlovich eats a body kick from Volkov. Volkov continues to pick at Pavlovich with kicks. Volkov lands an inside leg kick. Pavlovich lands a clean right hand on Volkov’s face. Volkov lands a leg kick with Pavlovich returning strikes. Jab lands for Pavlovich, who has had some trouble finding Volkov’s chin. Pavlovich gets hit to the body with a kick. Volkov fires a inside leg kick.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Volkov
Round 2:
Volkov lands a leg kick from the outside. Inside leg kick finds its target for Volkov. Pavlovich eats a body kick. Volkov throws a kick with Pavlovich returning with a headkick that partially lands. Pavlovich clips Volkov with a punch. Volkov continues to keep Pavlovich at bay with his kicks. Volkov starts going to head off Pavlovich with his former teammate finding a shot in close quarters. The tallest UFC fighter hits Pavlovich with a hammerfist from above.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Volkov
Round 3:
Volkov checks a leg kick from Pavlovich. Pavlovich tries to close the distance with a combo but “Drago” evades. Volkov lands a huge left hand and Pavlovich returns with a huge punch himself. Volkov’s punches add up as he pours it on the bloody Pavlovich. Volkov lands a left cross on Pavlovich. Pavlovich eats a side kick to the body. Pavlovich clinches Volkov against the cage, but Volkov manages to separate.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Volkov (total score: 30-27 Volkov
Official result: Alexander Volkov defeats Sergei Pavlovich by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28_
Check out the highlights below:
Look good, feel good 🙂@AlexDragoVolkov stays sauve#UFCSaudiArabia | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/ORpoXQf9ym
— UFC (@ufc) June 22, 2024
Maybe this one isn't settled yet! 👀
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 22, 2024
After going the distance, Pavlovich and Volkov need to be separated at #UFCSaudiArabia! #RiyadhSeason | @riyadhseason pic.twitter.com/1PnqpUJa9S
