Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev meet on the UFC 333 main card at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
- Last event's results: 4-2
- UFC main cards, 2026: 115-73-1
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev UFC 333 preview
Given Volkov (40-11 MMA, 14-5 UFC) might not have been recognized by Dana White at the UFC 333 press conference earlier this week, the onus is on the No. 4-ranked heavyweight to go out there and make a statement with his third consecutive win in hopes of securing a title shot. Volkov is coming off wins over Jailton Almeida and most recently Waldo Cortes-Acosta in May.
Kuniev (15-3-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), No. 5 in the Meta UFC rankings, could play the role of spoiler while bolstering his own profile. He's won his previous two UFC fights against Almeida and most recently Tyrell Fortune in July.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev UFC 333 expert pick, prediction
Although Volkov already deserves a title shot when you consider both the robbery he suffered to Ciryl Gane and Dana White's promise to take care of him thereafter, the Russian heavyweight finds himself taking on yet another up-and-coming contender while his boss barely recognizes him at the UFC's own press conferences.
For that reason alone, it's hard not to root for Volkov to finally get his shot.
However, if Volkov fails to dictate the range against Kuniev, then things could get ugly along the cage for all parties involved. I can understand folks taking a flier on Kuniev as a dog, but I believe that Volkov's length and linear attacks can break up Kuniev's rhythm enough for "Drago" to pull away down the stretch.
The official pick is Volkov by decision.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev UFC 333 odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the more experienced fighter, listing Volkov -122 and Kuniev +100 via FanDuel.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev UFC 333 start time, how to watch
Volkov and Kuniev are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 2:40 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev prediction, pick, time for UFC 333
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