Sports · Combat Sports · 13 hrs ago
Cormier says Volkov is the UFC heavyweight title's top contender
Alexander Volkov stopped Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, strengthening his claim to a heavyweight title fight.
The win moved the Russian fighter to second in the UFC contender rankings, behind former champion Tom Aspinall.
Former two-division UFC champion and analyst Daniel Cormier says Volkov is now the leading title contender, unless Aspinall returns soon or Alex Pereira knocks out Sergei Pavlovich.
Aspinall has continued to deal with eye injuries, leaving his next step uncertain.
On November 14, Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit are scheduled to fight for the heavyweight title, while Pavlovich faces Pereira on December 12.
The results of those fights are expected to help determine whether Volkov gets a title shot in 2027.
Daniel Cormier says Alexander Volkov has established himself as the top contender for the UFC heavyweight title.
Cormier says Volkov’s recent win strengthened his case for a title fight soon.
Volkov defeated fellow Russian Rizvan Kuniev by stoppage at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
Volkov moved to second in the UFC contender rankings, behind former champion Tom Aspinall.
Cormier said Aspinall’s possible return or a knockout win by Alex Pereira over Sergey Pavlovich could affect Volkov’s standing.
- Who
- Alexander Volkov, as assessed by Daniel Cormier.
- What
- Cormier said Volkov is the top contender for the UFC heavyweight title.
- When
- Cormier’s comments were reported on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- The reported win by Volkov took place at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- Volkov secured a stoppage win over Rizvan Kuniev. Cormier said this established Volkov as the leading contender, subject to other fighters’ results.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Alexander Volkov stopped fellow Russian Rizvan Kuniev in Abu Dhabi and moved to second in the UFC contender rankings.
Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit are scheduled to fight for the heavyweight title.
Sergey Pavlovich is scheduled to fight former UFC champion Alex Pereira.
- Cormier’s assessment
- Volkov is the top contender for the UFC heavyweight title
- UFC 333
- Volkov stopped Rizvan Kuniev in Abu Dhabi
- Contender ranking
- Volkov moved to second, behind Tom Aspinall
- November 14
- Ciryl Gane vs Josh Hokit for the heavyweight title
- December 12
- Sergey Pavlovich vs Alex Pereira
3 sources
What people are saying
Volkov got an important win. I think Alexander established himself as the No. 1 contender, unless Tom Aspinall suddenly returns soon after the November title fight. Or unless Alex Pereira beats Sergei Pavlovich with a crazy knockout