Alexander Volkov’s rejection of the rumored fight against Jailton Almeida isn’t about fear—it’s about focus. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, every decision made by top contenders can shape the title picture for years to come
While this fight isn’t happening now, it’s not off the table forever. If Almeida continues to dominate and Volkov holds his ground, the UFC may revisit this potential clash—with even higher stakes involved.
Until then, fans will watch closely as both fighters carve their paths through a heavyweight division in transition.
The aftermath of UFC 310 will be remembered not just for the fight, but for what happened afterward. Dana White’s apology was a rare but powerful acknowledgment of an injustice.
It showed that even at the highest levels of the sport, fairness and respect still matter.
As Volkov moves forward in his career, and as the UFC continues to evolve, this moment serves as a reminder that every decision carries weight — and that fighters, fans, and executives alike are watching.
Also Read: Collin Morikawa’s Epic Reaction to Tommy Fleetwood’s Jaw-Dropping Ace at Tiger Woods’ TGL
Table of Contents
Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida: A Clash That Won’t Happen—Yet
The MMA world was buzzing when rumors emerged about a potential UFC Fight Night bout between top heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida.1
However, Volkov himself has poured cold water on the speculation, revealing he’s not interested in facing the Brazilian fighter at this point.
His reasoning provides insight not only into his personal ambitions but also into the current landscape of the UFC’s heavyweight division.
You intelligence level is inspiring, making such thoughtfull and deep remarks wont change the fact that you are one who is too scared to fight me. Now twice. https://t.co/ss3995C2VV
— Alexander Volkov (@AlexDragoVolkov) December 13, 2019
The Rumored Matchup: Excitement Meets Reality
When whispers about a Volkov vs. Almeida fight surfaced, fans were excited. On paper, it looked like a thrilling contest—two high-caliber athletes with vastly different styles.
Almeida, known for his explosive grappling, and Volkov, with his technical striking and kickboxing background, would have made for an intriguing style clash.
But according to Volkov, the fight was never finalized. Speaking publicly, he clarified:
“There was a fight announced about my fight with [Jailton] Almeida, which it wasn’t officially announced but there were rumors that the fight was in the works… I don’t plan to fight Almeida in July yet.”
In a sport where matchmaking can shift on a dime, such statements are not uncommon. However, Volkov’s comments were notably firm and deliberate.
Alexander Volkov’s Refusal: Not About Fear, But Strategy
It’s important to note that Volkov didn’t reject the Almeida fight out of fear or lack of preparation.2
Instead, his reasoning is rooted in career strategy and rankings dynamics.
“Why? Because I don’t see any point in fighting the sixth-ranked fighter. Whoever sees the point, tell me why. It’s only a fight for the sake of a fight. Let’s wait for a more interesting offer.”
As the No. 3 ranked heavyweight in the UFC, Volkov believes he has more to lose than gain by taking on the sixth-ranked Almeida. His stance underscores the value fighters place on positioning within the rankings and title shot trajectories.
The Rankings Game: Volkov’s Position
Volkov, also known as “Drago,” has been a mainstay in the UFC since 2016. Over the course of his tenure, he’s compiled an impressive record, only suffering four losses in nearly a decade.
He has beaten top-tier fighters like Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum, and Marcin Tybura, and his recent performances have kept him in the title conversation.
With champions like Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic currently inactive or awaiting schedule updates, and with contenders like Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich vying for interim status or the next title shot, Volkov is wisely choosing his next move.
Jailton Almeida is undoubtedly a rising force in the division. His recent dominant victory over Serghei Spivac showcased his world-class grappling and physicality. He’s undefeated in the UFC and has shown minimal weaknesses.
Yet, Almeida is still viewed by some as unproven against the elite of the heavyweight class. He’s a dangerous matchup for anyone—but perhaps too risky for someone like Volkov, who is on the cusp of a title shot and doesn’t want to derail his momentum with a stylistic gamble.
Risk vs. Reward: A Fighter’s Dilemma
From a fan’s perspective, turning down a fight might seem like ducking competition. But in reality, fighters—especially those at the top—must weigh risk vs. reward carefully.
Fighting someone ranked lower can mean:
-
Risking your spot in the rankings
-
Derailing your path to a title
-
Gaining little promotional or financial reward
For Volkov, taking on Almeida—while certainly a challenge—offers limited upside compared to fighting someone like Ciryl Gane, Aspinall, or even waiting for a shot at Jon Jones (should he return).
One reason fans were intrigued by this rumored fight is the clear stylistic contrast. Almeida, with a grappling-heavy approach, has steamrolled most of his opponents, often taking them down within the first minute.
Volkov, on the other hand, uses his 6’7″ frame and long-range striking to keep opponents at bay.
This kind of fight usually favors whoever can implement their game plan first. But from Volkov’s perspective, engaging in a fight with someone like Almeida without a major reward attached isn’t wise.
The Bigger Picture: Heavyweight Division in Flux
The UFC heavyweight division is currently in a unique phase. With Jon Jones out due to injury and the interim belt in play, many contenders are left in limbo.
-
Tom Aspinall is arguably next in line for a unification bout.
-
Ciryl Gane is waiting for another top-tier fight.
-
Sergei Pavlovich, despite a loss, remains a powerhouse.
-
Curtis Blaydes and Tai Tuivasa are looking to rebound.
Volkov, sitting at No. 3, has a strong claim for a high-profile fight. Taking a lower-ranked opponent would not only be risky but could also delay his chances for a shot at gold.
Alexander Volkov’s Ideal Scenario Moving Forward
So, what does Volkov want? Likely:
-
A title eliminator against a top-2 opponent
-
A potential interim title shot if things get delayed
-
A higher-profile opponent that boosts his brand and standing
He’s been in the game long enough to know that matchmaking is part chess, part luck. But if he plays his cards right, 2025 could see him fighting for UFC gold.
Public Perception vs. Fighter Reality
Fans often crave action. They want fighters to take every challenge and never back down. But for the athletes themselves, every decision carries weight.
Volkov’s honesty in addressing the rumors is commendable. Rather than feeding into hype or speculation, he laid out his position clearly. He’s not interested in fighting for the sake of it—he’s focused on legacy, smart choices, and championship aspirations.
For Jailton Almeida, this pause doesn’t mean stagnation. His stock is rising fast, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets a top-five opponent—perhaps someone like Sergei Pavlovich or Tai Tuivasa.
If he continues winning in dominant fashion, fighters like Volkov won’t be able to ignore him for long. He may even position himself as the unavoidable next contender, forcing the UFC to book a major fight or even a title eliminator.
Also Read: MMA Star Christian Lee on Learning from His Teenage Phenom Brother Adrian Lee
Dana White Apologized to Alexander Volkov
A UFC Controversy at UFC 310
The UFC has always been a platform where legends are born, rivalries are sparked, and drama unfolds both inside and outside the Octagon.3
One such moment of raw emotion and controversy came at UFC 310, when Alexander Volkov faced Ciryl Gane in a pivotal heavyweight bout.
Although the fight was decided by the judges, it sparked debate across the MMA world — even reaching the desk of the UFC CEO himself, Dana White.
A Battle Between Titans: Volkov vs. Gane
The matchup between Alexander Volkov, known as “Drago,” and Ciryl Gane, the former interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, was billed as a critical clash for the future of the division.
Both fighters brought unique skill sets: Gane with his elusive footwork and crisp striking, and Volkov with his power, reach, and technical precision.
From the first round to the final bell, the fight was competitive. Volkov pressed forward with relentless pressure, landing stiff jabs and leg kicks.
Gane, meanwhile, danced around the cage with his trademark movement, countering with speed and accuracy. It was a classic striker vs. striker affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Decision That Shook the Arena
After three hard-fought rounds, the judges rendered their decision: a split decision victory for Ciryl Gane. As soon as Bruce Buffer announced the result, a wave of boos swept through the arena.
The crowd clearly believed Volkov had done enough to win, and they weren’t alone in that sentiment.
Many analysts, fans, and fighters took to social media to voice their displeasure. They pointed to the volume and impact of Volkov’s strikes, his octagon control, and his aggression as indicators that he had edged out the win.
A Rare Apology in the UFC
It’s not common for Dana White to publicly apologize to fighters — especially immediately after a fight. White is known for his often brash and business-first demeanor, but in this moment, he showed empathy and fairness.
The fact that White approached Volkov backstage and offered an apology speaks volumes. It was a rare show of vulnerability and accountability from the top executive of the UFC.
In a sport often dominated by pride and ego, White’s action was both refreshing and commendable.
Judging in mixed martial arts has long been a point of contention. The 10-point must system — borrowed from boxing — doesn’t always translate well in the world of MMA, where grappling, striking, octagon control, and damage must all be weighed.
In the Volkov vs. Gane fight, many believed Volkov won rounds one and two, with Gane possibly taking round three.
The issue lies in the subjectivity of “effective striking” and “damage”, terms that can be interpreted differently by different judges.
Even the head of the commission, according to White, admitted the second round was a toss-up. But when a single round can swing a fight, that level of ambiguity becomes problematic.
Alexander Volkov’s Response: Grace Amid Controversy
Despite the frustration of the decision, Alexander Volkov handled the situation with professionalism.
He didn’t lash out or make dramatic accusations. Instead, he calmly stated his belief that he had done enough to win and thanked the fans for their support.
His demeanor only furthered the narrative that he had been wronged. When even the fighter on the losing end maintains composure while others around him erupt, it adds weight to the claims of injustice.
Social media exploded after the fight. Prominent UFC fighters, coaches, and analysts expressed disappointment with the judges’ decision.
-
Former UFC fighter Dan Hardy tweeted, “Volkov clearly won that fight. These judges need retraining. This is ruining careers.”
-
Michael Bisping, a UFC Hall of Famer and commentator, said during the post-fight show, “I had Volkov winning. Gane looked good, but he was getting hit more than usual. It was close, but not that close.”
The consensus among the MMA community was that Volkov had been robbed, and Dana White’s apology only reinforced that perspective.
Implications for the Heavyweight Division
The decision had real consequences. With a win, Volkov could have placed himself on the shortlist for a title shot, or at the very least, a top contender matchup. Instead, he’s forced to take a step back and potentially rebuild his momentum.
Meanwhile, Gane, already a former interim champ, moves forward — but with a win that many view as controversial. His stock might not have risen as much as a clean, decisive win would have allowed.
Dana White’s apology opened up a broader conversation about accountability in combat sports. When a promoter as influential as White publicly disagrees with a judging decision, it highlights a serious issue.
To his credit, White has often advocated for improvements in judging and officiating. But there’s only so much the UFC can do. Judges are appointed by athletic commissions, which operate independently of the promotion. Still, White’s statement adds pressure to those commissions to improve training, oversight, and evaluation of their officials.
Alexander Volkov: Morning Routine
Alexander Volkov shared his early morning routine in a hilarious way on his instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
Could This Lead to Change?
While one bad decision won’t overhaul the system, public pressure can lead to reform. The more high-profile controversies occur — and the more UFC leaders like Dana White speak out — the more likely commissions are to take action.
Potential reforms could include:
-
Adding more judges to reduce the impact of outliers
-
Creating a scoring system tailored specifically for MMA
-
Increasing transparency by publishing detailed scorecards and judge rationale
-
Providing judges with real-time analytics or statistical tools during fights
Volkov vs. Gane may end up being one of those flashpoint moments that pushes the sport toward better judging standards.
Though the loss was heartbreaking, Volkov remains a dangerous and respected force in the heavyweight division. If anything, the controversy has rallied support around him. Fans, fellow fighters, and even the UFC boss have his back.
With a few more strong performances, Volkov could easily find himself back in title contention. In a division as volatile as heavyweight, momentum can shift quickly — and narratives can change overnight.
Also Read: Kyle Juszczyk & Kristin’s Epic Vacation with 49ers Teammates George Kittle and Brock Purdy
