Alexander Volkov moved one step closer to another UFC heavyweight title shot with a contentious split-decision win over Jailton Almeida at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.
The towering Russian, who has long sought redemption after close losses to Ciryl Gane and a submission defeat to Tom Aspinall, appeared to be on the verge of another setback before the judges handed him a disputed victory.
In the opening round, Almeida used his wrestling to take Volkov down with a high-crotch single-leg, controlling much of the frame until Volkov reversed position and landed several ground strikes — some appearing to hit the back of Almeida’s head. The Russian’s late surge seemed to sway the judges, despite Almeida clearly taking the second and third rounds with superior grappling and pressure.
When the scorecards were read (28-29, 29-28, 29-28), the decision in Volkov’s favor drew boos from sections of the crowd and disbelief from analysts.
Now sitting near the top of the heavyweight rankings, Volkov declared afterward that he’s ready to face whoever emerges victorious between Aspinall and Gane in the UFC 321 main event. “It doesn’t matter who wins tonight,” Volkov said. “My next fight will be for the title.”
Despite the controversy, the win cements Volkov’s place as a leading contender — and sets up a potential rematch with either of the men who previously handed him decisive losses.
