Alexander Volkov is famous as ‘Drago’, and usually, he is the widely known face amongst the active Russian mixed martial artists, who seemed to be competing for the heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC. Standing at 6’7″ with an imposing structure and a clear striking game, Alexander Volkov has been relentless and resilient as a presence in the world of MMA. For over a decade now, he has participated professionally and proved his resiliency by smoothly adapting to skill sets over numerous platforms such as Bellator and M-1 Global before eventually joining UFC in 2016.
Early Career and Rise in Bellator and M-1 Global
Volkov started training in MMA in his native country of Russia. His raw talent was first noticed by larger organizations while he was competing in the Russian regional circuits. He signed with Bellator in 2012, where in very little time, he quickly rose to the top of the ranks and won the Bellator Heavyweight World Championship in his very first year of competing. Along side Bellor, Volkov also competing in M-1 Global, another huge organization in MMA, continued to build further reputation with powerful knockouts and tactical wins.
UFC Career Highlights and Major Fights
For Volkov, the UFC roadway began in 2016, and he quickly made a name for himself with his towering height and accurate strikes to go along with his well-rounded skillset. One of the most memorable of these was against former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum, which Volkov won by TKO. Another high-profile fight came against Derrick Lewis, an affair in which he was leading until being caught with a last-minute knockout-a very real reminder of the unpredictability of heavyweight MMA.
In 2024, Volkov took on the heavily hyped Sergei Pavlovich in a co-main event at UFC Saudi Arabia and put on a technical masterclass, winning via unanimous decision. The victory kept the streak going of Volkov and reignited his hopes of a title shot, something he has openly revealed aspiration towards.
Fighting Style and Evolution
Known for his striking prowess, Volkov uses height and reach to control distance in fights. Very often, he arranges his jab and straight punches in working order to keep opponents away. Through the years, Volkov has also worked on his grappling and wrestling to turn himself into a more complete fighter. His coaches and training partners at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas have helped him refine his wrestling defense and add further dimensions to his game.
Recent Success and Future Goals
Lately, Volkov has been vocal about wanting a shot at a UFC title. With his recent wins over Pavlovich, among others, he believes this puts him in a very good position to face the ones ranked above him in the division. A very disciplined professional, always training and perfecting his skills, Volkov will attempt to cash in on the momentum he has at this moment in time to finally secure the gold of the UFC.
Legacy and Fan Base
Standing tall with a nickname adapted from the villain in Rocky, Volkov has ensembled a nice following not only in his native Russia but beyond. His ability to bounce back from adversity, along with a stoic demeanor, has him regarded with respect from the MMA world. Now, on his journey of continuation in the UFC, one would hope he can finish what for him to date is unfinished: earning a title.
Conclusion
Alexander Volkov has been and still is the very embodiment of resilience, adaptability, and striving for perfection. With his eyes on the heavyweight title, “Drago” can still be widely regarded as one of the most dangerous and entertaining fighters in his division. Be it as it may with him capturing UFC gold, he already secured a place for himself in the MMA annals of history.
FAQs
What is Alexander Volkov’s fighting style?
Volkov’s style emphasizes technical striking with powerful kicks and punches.
How tall is Alexander Volkov?
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm), Volkov is one of the tallest fighter.
Has Alexander Volkov fought for a title?
While Volkov has not yet fought for the UFC heavyweight title, he has expressed his commitment to improving and aiming for a championship run.
How has Alexander Volkov improved his performance over time?
Volkov’s recent fights show a more aggressive and well-rounded fighter.
