Alexander Volkov is not convinced Alex Pereira will find instant success when he moves up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for interim gold at UFC Freedom Fights 250 on June 14.
Volkov, a former Bellator champion and longtime UFC heavyweight contender, believes Gane’s style presents serious problems for the two-division titleholder when they meet at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. “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 because Pereira needs to pressure the guy and work on counterattacks, and Ciryl Gane don't give him the opportunity. 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 added.
Volkov has recent firsthand experience with Gane, dropping a split decision to the Frenchman in December 2024 in what is his only defeat in his past six outings dating back to 2022. Dana White was among those who thought Volkov won that fight.
Currently 39-11 in MMA and 13-5 in the UFC, Volkov is set to face Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the main card of UFC 328, also at the Prudential Center. With Tom Aspinall recovering from an eye injury as heavyweight champion, Volkov said he is focused on what he can control. “I'm trying to stay calm. I can't let it affect me,” he said.
