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In a thrilling showdown at UFC 293, Alexander Volkov left no room for Australian fans to celebrate as he thwarted their hopes of witnessing their compatriot, Tai Tuivasa, emerge victorious. The much-anticipated clash, which unfolded as the co-main event at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, culminated in Volkov securing a second-round submission win over his opponent.
From the outset, Volkov seized control of the bout with masterful finesse. Employing a strategic blend of kicks and striking combinations, he adeptly dictated the distance, leaving Tuivasa struggling to mount any significant offensive maneuvers without encountering a stinging jab or a punishing midsection kick.
As the round progressed, Volkov punctuated his dominance with a series of well-placed punches that hit their mark. Although Tuivasa managed to land some leg kicks of his own, they paled in comparison to the damage inflicted by Volkov. Notably, these kicks set the stage for a pivotal takedown executed by Drago, eventually leading to the decisive Ezekiel Choke that brought the fight to an emphatic conclusion in favor of the Russian fighter.
This triumph further extends Volkov's remarkable winning streak, particularly remarkable for a heavyweight contender. It marks his third consecutive victory, including impressive first-round stoppages against formidable opponents Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alexander Romanov.
Despite his recent successes, Volkov has often been underestimated in the context of the heavyweight division. His record includes setbacks against formidable adversaries like Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes, and Derrick Lewis, underscoring the formidable competition he has faced on the grand stage of big fights.
Nonetheless, Volkov remains undeterred in his pursuit of UFC gold, and this motivation was palpable in his pre-fight declaration:
"A win over Tai Tuivasa will mean that I show everybody that I'm ready for a title shot right now."
However, it's worth noting that securing a title shot on the heels of this victory may still be a challenging proposition. Tuivasa had entered the bout with consecutive losses, and Volkov must continue to demonstrate his ability to defeat opponents who are also within striking distance of a title opportunity