Alexander Volkov (fighter)
Alexander Volkov | |
---|---|
Born | Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union | October 24, 1988
Other names | Drago |
Nationality | Russian |
Height | 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) |
Weight | 112 kg (247 lb) |
Division | Heavyweight |
Reach | 80 in (203 cm)[1] |
Style | Karate, Kickboxing |
Fighting out of | Moscow, Russia |
Team | Strela Team |
Rank | Black belt in Tsu Shin Gen[1] Brown belt in Kyokushin Karate[1] Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[2] |
Years active | 2009–present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 39 |
Wins | 31 |
By knockout | 20 |
By submission | 3 |
By decision | 8 |
Losses | 8 |
By knockout | 2 |
By submission | 2 |
By decision | 4 |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Alexander Yevgenievich Volkov (Russian: Александр Евгеньевич Волков; born October 24, 1988) is a Russian mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC's Heavyweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2009, Volkov previously competed almost exclusively for the M-1 Global promotion, as well as Bellator MMA. He is a former heavyweight champion in both promotions. As of June 23, 2020, he is #8 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.[3]
Mixed martial arts career
M-1 Global
In 2008 Volkov signed with the M-1 Global. His professional MMA debut came in April 2009 when he defeated Nikolay Pleshakov by TKO (punches) in just 80 seconds.[4] Volkov followed this up a month later with another TKO victory, this time against Adam Alikhanov in just 20 seconds.[5] A further month later, Volkov suffered his first professional loss at the hands of Akhmed Sultanov. Midway through the first round, Volkov was forced to tap to an armbar. Volkov then went on a two-fight win streak, both via TKO.[5]
In December 2009, after just eight months as a professional fighter,[5] Volkov faced Ibragim Magomedov at M-1 Challenge 20 - 2009 Finals. Coming in as an underdog, his team simply wanted him to make it through all three rounds, but Volkov exceeded expectations by winning via unanimous decision.[6] Volkov was awarded an M-1 Global ring "as a reward for exceptional performance".[6]
Volkov faced Denis Smoldarev on February 19, 2016, M-1 Challenge 64 for the vacant M-1 Global Heavyweight title, he won the fight via submission (triangle choke).
Volkov faced former Bellator light heavyweight champion Attila Végh on June 16, 2016, at M-1 Challenge 68. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. This and other fights of Alexander Volkov in the M-1 league can be viewed in the All fights of Alexander Volkov in M-1 Global of the M-1 Global TV channel.
M-1 Eastern European Tournament
Within his first year of professional competition, Volkov was competing in the M-1 Eastern European tournament,[6] taking victories in the opening round and the semi-final.[5] Volkov progressed to the M-1 Selection 2010 - Eastern Europe Finals, where a win would put him in line to challenge for the M-1 Global Heavyweight title at the 2010 M-1 Challenge Season events. To reach the championship fight, Volkov first had to take on Maxim Grishin to become the Eastern Europe champion. Unfortunately for Volkov, he fell prey to a rear naked choke early in the opening round and was eliminated.[7]
Post M-1 Eastern European Tournament
Less than a month later, Volkov took his first fight outside of M-1 in nearly a year. His opponent was the debuting Eldar Yagudin, who he defeated inside the opening round by TKO (punches).[5]
On August 5, 2011, as part of League-70 Russia vs Brazil, held in Sochi, Russia, Alexander Volkov defeated the undefeated at that time Bulgarian Nedyalko Karadzhov via TKO in the opening round.
Bellator MMA
In September 2012, it was announced that Volkov would compete for Bellator Fighting Championships. He made his U.S. debut in the Bellator season seven heavyweight tournament. In the opening, quarter-final round he faced Brett Rogers at Bellator 75. Volkov dominated the fight by making the most of his reach advantage. Volkov won via unanimous decision.[8] In the semifinals at Bellator 80, he faced Vinicius Queiroz and won via TKO in the second round. On December 14, Volkov fought Richard Hale in a 5 round fight for Bellator Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Final and Bellator Heavyweight Championship. Volkov won via unanimous decision.
In his first title defense, Volkov faced Vitaly Minakov in the co-main event at Bellator 108 on November 15, 2013. He lost the bout and his title via TKO in the first round.
Volkov faced Mark Holata on March 7, 2014, at Bellator 111 in Heavyweight Tournament.[9] He won the fight via TKO in the first round. Volkov faced Mighty Mo in the semifinals at Bellator 116 on April 11, 2014. He won the fight via spectacular knockout in the first round.
Volkov faced Blagoy Ivanov in the finals on May 17, 2014, at Bellator 120. He won the fight via submission in the second round.
Nearly a year since his last fight for the promotion, Volkov faced Tony Johnson at Bellator 136 on April 10, 2015.[10] He lost the fight via split decision.
Volkov faced Cheick Kongo at Bellator 139 on June 26, 2015.[11] He lost the fight via unanimous decision marking his second consecutive loss being cut by the Bellator MMA.[12]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In September 2016, it was announced that Volkov has signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He made his debut against Timothy Johnson on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 99.[13] Volkov was awarded a split decision victory.[14]
Volkov faced Roy Nelson on April 15, 2017, at UFC on Fox 24.[15] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[16]
Volkov faced Stefan Struve on September 2, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Struve.[17] He won the bout via TKO in the third round.[18] The win also earned Volkov his first Fight of the Night bonus award.[19]
Volkov faced Fabrício Werdum on March 17, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 127.[20] He won the back-and-forth fight via knockout in the fourth round.[21] The win also earned Volkov his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[22]
Volkov faced Derrick Lewis on October 6, 2018, at UFC 229.[23] After being ahead on the judges' scorecards and visibly hurting Lewis multiple times, he was knocked down and subsequently finished with follow up punches in the closing seconds of the bout.[24]
Volkov was expected to face Alistair Overeem on April 20, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 149.[25] However, on April 3, 2019 it was reported Volkov pulled out from the fight for undisclosed reason.[26]
Volkov was scheduled to face Junior Dos Santos on November 9, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 21.[27] However, dos Santos was forced to pull out from the event due to contracting a serious bacterial infection,[28] and he was replaced by Greg Hardy.[29] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[30]
Volkov faced Curtis Blaydes on June 20, 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Volkov.[31] Volkov lost the fight by unanimous decision.[32]
Championships and accomplishments
- Bellator Fighting Championships
- M-1 Global
- M-1 Global Heavyweight Championship (One time)
- One successful title defence
- M-1 Eastern European Tournament Runner-Up
- M-1 Global Heavyweight Championship (One time)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Stefan Struve
- Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Fabrício Werdum
Mixed martial arts record
39 matches | 31 wins | 8 losses |
By knockout | 20 | 2 |
By submission | 3 | 2 |
By decision | 8 | 4 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 31–8 | Curtis Blaydes | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Volkov | June 20, 2020 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 31–7 | Greg Hardy | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Magomedsharipov vs. Kattar | November 9, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Moscow, Russia | |
Loss | 30–7 | Derrick Lewis | KO (punches) | UFC 229 | October 6, 2018 | 3 | 4:49 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Win | 30–6 | Fabrício Werdum | KO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Volkov | March 17, 2018 | 4 | 1:38 | London, England | Performance of the Night. |
Win | 29–6 | Stefan Struve | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Struve | September 2, 2017 | 3 | 3:30 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Fight of the Night. |
Win | 28–6 | Roy Nelson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis | April 15, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |
Win | 27–6 | Timothy Johnson | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2 | November 19, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Belfast, Northern Ireland | |
Win | 26–6 | Attila Végh | KO (punches) | M-1 Challenge 68 | June 16, 2016 | 1 | 2:38 | Moscow, Russia | Defended the M-1 Global Heavyweight Championship. |
Win | 25–6 | Denis Smoldarev | Submission (triangle choke) | M-1 Challenge 64 | February 19, 2016 | 3 | 0:41 | Moscow, Russia | Won the M-1 Global Heavyweight Championship. |
Loss | 24–6 | Cheick Kongo | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 139 | June 26, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Mulvane, Kansas, United States | |
Loss | 24–5 | Tony Johnson | Decision (split) | Bellator 136 | April 10, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Irvine, California, United States | |
Win | 24–4 | Alexei Kudin | Decision (unanimous) | Union MMA Pro | February 21, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Krasnodar, Russia | |
Win | 23–4 | Roy Boughton | TKO (punches) | Tech-Krep FC: Battle of Heroes | December 12, 2014 | 1 | 0:40 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | |
Win | 22–4 | Blagoy Ivanov | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 120 | May 17, 2014 | 2 | 1:08 | Southaven, Mississippi, United States | Bellator Season 10 Heavyweight Tournament Final. |
Win | 21–4 | Mighty Mo | KO (head kick) | Bellator 116 | April 11, 2014 | 1 | 2:44 | Temecula, California, United States | Bellator Season 10 Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal. |
Win | 20–4 | Mark Holata | TKO (punches) | Bellator 111 | March 7, 2014 | 1 | 1:21 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | Bellator Season 10 Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal. |
Loss | 19–4 | Vitaly Minakov | TKO (punches) | Bellator 108 | November 15, 2013 | 1 | 2:57 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Lost the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship. |
Win | 19–3 | Richard Hale | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 84 | December 14, 2012 | 5 | 5:00 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Won the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship; Bellator Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Final. |
Win | 18–3 | Vinicius Queiroz | TKO (punches) | Bellator 80 | November 9, 2012 | 2 | 4:59 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | Bellator Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Semifinal. |
Win | 17–3 | Brett Rogers | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 75 | October 5, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Bellator Season 7 Heavyweight Tournament Quarterfinal. |
Win | 16–3 | Stefan Stankovic | TKO (punches) | FEFoMP: Mayor Cup 2012 | May 26, 2012 | 1 | 4:27 | Khabarovsk, Russia | |
Win | 15–3 | Ricco Rodriguez | Decision (unanimous) | BF: Baltic Challenge 3 | February 23, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Kaliningrad, Russia | |
Win | 14–3 | Arsen Abdulkerimov | TKO (punches) | M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Monson | November 20, 2011 | 1 | 0:26 | Moscow, Russia | |
Win | 13–3 | Bahodir Ibrogimov | TKO (punches) | MMA Corona Cup 1 | October 7, 2011 | 2 | 2:22 | Moscow, Russia | |
Win | 12–3 | Nedyalko Karadzhov | TKO (punches) | League-70: Russia vs. Brazil | August 5, 2011 | 1 | 2:41 | Sochi, Russia | |
Win | 11–3 | Denis Goltsov | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge 25: Zavurov vs. Enomoto | April 28, 2011 | 2 | 3:05 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | |
Win | 10–3 | Ruslan Chapko | TKO (punches) | Mix Fight Tournament | January 15, 2011 | 1 | N/A | Voronezh, Russia | |
Loss | 9–3 | Pat Bennett | Decision (unanimous) | M-1 Challenge 22: Narkun vs. Vasilevsky | December 10, 2010 | 4 | 5:00 | Moscow, Russia | |
Win | 9–2 | Evgeni Babich | TKO (punches) | LM: Tournament 3 | September 18, 2010 | 1 | 2:10 | Lipetsk, Russia | |
Win | 8–2 | Eldar Yagudin | TKO (punches) | Ratnoe Pole | August 7, 2010 | 1 | 4:34 | Ryazan, Russia | |
Loss | 7–2 | Maxim Grishin | Submission (rear-naked choke) | M-1 Selection 2010: Eastern Europe Finals | July 22, 2010 | 1 | 2:39 | Moscow, Russia | Eastern Europe Tournament Final. |
Win | 7–1 | Alexander Romaschenko | Submission (rear-naked choke) | M-1 Selection 2010: Eastern Europe Round 3 | May 28, 2010 | 1 | 2:59 | Kiev, Ukraine | Eastern Europe Tournament Semifinal. |
Win | 6–1 | Vitalii Yalovenko | TKO (doctor stoppage) | M-1 Selection 2010: Eastern Europe Round 2 | April 10, 2010 | 2 | 1:05 | Kiev, Ukraine | Eastern Europe Tournament Opening Round. |
Win | 5–1 | Ibragim Magomedov | Decision (unanimous) | M-1 Challenge 20: 2009 Finals | December 3, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | Russian Team Championship Finals. |
Win | 4–1 | Smbat Zakaryan | TKO (punches) | ProFC: Union Nation Cup 3 | October 30, 2009 | 1 | 4:20 | Rostov-on-Don, Russia | 3rd Stage CIS Cup Team. |
Win | 3–1 | Abdulhalik Magomedov | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge: 2009 Selections 8 | October 4, 2009 | 1 | 4:43 | Moscow, Russia | 8th Stage Russian Team Championship. |
Loss | 2–1 | Akhmed Sultanov | Submission (armbar) | M-1 Challenge: 2009 Selections 4 | June 24, 2009 | 1 | 2:50 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | 4th Stage Russian Team Championship. |
Win | 2–0 | Adam Alikhanov | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge: 2009 Selections 3 | May 28, 2009 | 1 | 0:20 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | 3rd Stage Russian Team Championship. |
Win | 1–0 | Nikolay Pleshakov | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge: 2009 Selections 2 | April 19, 2009 | 1 | 1:20 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | 2nd Stage Russian Team Championship. |
The record box is based on Volkov's record on Sherdog.[5]
References
- ^ a b c "Alexander Volkov - Official UFC Profile". UFC.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
- ^ Alexander Volkov (@volkov_alex) (April 27, 2019). "Проверили с @beardserk работает ли джиу-джитсу с соперником, превосходящем в размерах и весе" (in Russian). Instagram. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- ^ "Rankings | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
- ^ "Sunday's M-1 card to stream on Sherdog.com". sherdog.com. April 18, 2009. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f "Alexander Volkov". sherdog.com. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
- ^ a b c Schaap, J. (March 3, 2010). "The biggest Russian sensation of 2009 gets his reward". m-1global.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
- ^ "M-1 Selection 2010 Europe Finals feature spectacular performances". sherdog.com. July 22, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Bizarre groin foul finish puts Thiago Santos past Eric Prindle at Bellator 75". sherdog.com. October 5, 2012.
- ^ "former Russian champion vs. super american mma fighter". mmafighting.com. March 6, 2014.
- ^ Jason Floyd (March 11, 2015). "Bellator 136 adds Alexander Volkov vs. Tony Johnson and Fabricio Guerreiro vs. John Teixeira". themmareport.com.
- ^ Chuck Mindenhall (April 21, 2015). "Cheick Kongo to clash with Alexander Volkov at Bellator 139". mmafighting.com.
- ^ "Bellator releases five fighters, including former champion". bloodyelbow.com. October 31, 2015.
- ^ Staff (2016-09-29). "-Ex-Bellator champ Alexander Volkov debuts with promotion vs. Timothy Johnson at UFC Fight Night 99". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-29.
- ^ Dann Stupp (2016-11-19). "-UFC Fight Night 99 results: Ex-Bellator champ Alexander Volkov edges Timothy Johnson". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
- ^ Staff (2017-03-14). "Roy Nelson meets ex-Bellator champ Alexander Volkov at UFC on FOX 24 in Kansas City". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-03-14.
- ^ Steven Marrocco (2017-04-15). "UFC on FOX 24 results: Alexander Volkov picks apart Roy Nelson for clean-sweep victory". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-04-15.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (2017-05-27). "Stefan Struve vs. Alexander Volkov headlines UFC event in Rotterdam". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2017-05-27.
- ^ "UFC-Rotterdam results: Bloodied Alexander Volkov TKOs Stefan Struve in 3rd round". MMAjunkie. 2017-09-02. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
- ^ Staff (2017-09-02). "UFC-Rotterdam bonuses: Zabit Magomedsharipov, Mairbek Taisumov earn $50K for finishes". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
- ^ Staff (2018-02-01). "Fabricio Werdum vs. Alexander Volkov set as main event for UFC Fight Night 127 in London. He won by technical knock out". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-02-01.
- ^ Marc Raimondi (2018-03-17). "UFC London results: Alexander Volkov stuns Fabricio Werdum by knockout". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2018-03-17.
- ^ Dan Hiergesell (2018-03-17). "UFC Fight Night 127 bonuses: Alexander Volkov's main event knockout leads $50K winners". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2018-03-18.
- ^ "Alex Volkov set to fight at UFC event headed by Khabib v Conor". RT International. Retrieved 2018-08-08.
- ^ "UFC 229 play-by-play and live results". MMAjunkie. 2018-10-06. Retrieved 2018-10-06.
- ^ DNA, MMA. "Alexander Volkov vs. Alistair Overeem is het Main Event voor UFC St.Petersburg". Retrieved 2019-02-09.
- ^ Ravens, Andrew; MMA, LowKick (2019-04-03). "Alistair Overeem Receives New Opponent At UFC St. Petersburg". LowKickMMA.com. Retrieved 2019-04-03.
- ^ Nolan King (2019-09-07). "Junior Dos Santos vs. Alexander Volkov set to headline UFC on ESPN+ 21". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2019-09-07.
- ^ y Guilherme Cruz (2019-10-22). "Junior dos Santos hospitalized, out of UFC Moscow fight with Alexander Volkov". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
- ^ Brett Okamoto (2019-10-22). "Greg Hardy to replace Junior dos Santos on November card". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-11-09). "UFC Moscow Results: Alexander Volkov Easily Picks Apart Outclassed Greg Hardy". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
- ^ "Blaydes-Volkov back on after Canada card nixed". ESPN.com. 2020-05-30. Retrieved 2020-05-31.
- ^ Josh Evanoff (2020-06-21). "UFC on ESPN 11 Results: Curtis Blaydes Dominates Alexander Volkov, Sets Takedown Record". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-06-21.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "Alexander". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-11-09.
External links
- 1988 births
- Living people
- Russian male mixed martial artists
- Heavyweight mixed martial artists
- Russian male karateka
- Ashihara kaikan practitioners
- Kyokushin kaikan practitioners
- Russian practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Martial artists from Moscow
- Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters
- Bellator MMA champions