Alexander Volkov isn’t fully convinced that Alex Pereira’s highly anticipated move to heavyweight will go as smoothly as many fans expect.
The former two-division champion is set to make his heavyweight debut on June 14 at UFC Freedom Fights 250, where he’ll face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship while undisputed titleholder Tom Aspinall continues recovering from an eye injury.
While much of the MMA world has rallied behind the Brazilian’s pursuit of a third UFC title in a new division, Volkov believes Gane’s style could create serious problems for “Poatan.”
Speaking during UFC 328 media day in Newark, “Drago” explained why he currently favors the French heavyweight in the matchup.
“Honestly, Ciryl is more favorite right now,” Volkov said. “He has really great footwork. I respect Alex Pereira and his power, but I don’t know how he will show up in the heavyweight division, and I don’t know how he will do with Ciryl Gane’s style in the octagon
Alexander Volkov Questions Whether Alex Pereira Can Solve Ciryl Gane’s Movement
Volkov pointed specifically to Gane’s mobility and movement-heavy striking approach as a potential nightmare matchup for Pereira.
“Because Pereira needs to pressure the guy and work on counterattacks, and Ciryl Gane don’t give him the opportunity,” Volkov said. “He just punches and kicks and moves a lot. It’s a hard thing for Alex Pereira to solve in the fight. I’m not sure he can do this.”
Volkov’s opinion carries weight, given his own history with Gane. The Russian heavyweight fought the former interim champion back in 2024 and lost a razor-close split decision, many observers felt could have gone the other way.
Outside of that defeat, Volkov has quietly built one of the strongest recent runs in the heavyweight division, winning five of his last six fights heading into his UFC 328 clash with Waldo Cortes-Acosta this weekend.