Volkov is more than just the HW gatekeeper. Who else still believes he can go higher.

[Feniamin]

Alexander with a much-improved grappling game and submissions suddenly looks a lot more dangerous to the top fighters:

Jon
Ciryl
Sergei
Stipe
Tom
Curtis

Tai has only been subbed once before (by Spivak) and Drago's last sub was in M1 in 2016. What if Volkov took Gane down and mounted him? What if he stuffed or reversed Aspinall's TD? Or simply survived on the ground and got back to his feet in time? What if he felt free to let his hands and feet fly against Blaydes as he wasn't worried about being blanketed? This could be a major development.

Volkov in interview said that he learned that choke like 10-12 years ago.

 

[ferrisjso]

With Jones and Stipe gone and Gane being underwhelming maybe you're right. Still I feel like Aspinalls going to be the guy. Volkov might get a title shot though.

 

[650lb Sumo]

Rozenstruik: 1st round TKO
Romanov: 1st round TKO
Tai Tuivasa: 2nd round SUBMISSION
Sergei Pavlovich: comfortable decision

The UFC haven't updated their rankings yet:

Aspinall
Gane
Pav
Blaydes
Volkov

I'm sure people will point out Volkov has already lost to three of those. So? The most recent loss was over two years ago. Let's see a rematch. Drago has got to be one win away from a title shot at this point. His grappling has improved and his striking is a problem for anyone in the division. It's his time.

 

[spinup]

I was quite critical of him in this thread but I think he made nice improvements in defense distance management and power.

Not sure where he hoes from there, as it will be all rematches.
Vs Aspinall, it was really not competitive the first time, too soon imo.
Vs Blaydes, if Volkov hasn't fixed his TDD it will be a very shitty fight to watch.
Vs Gane, good fight, the first fight was competitive and they both had time to evolve.

If Despaigne keeps winning, it could be a very fun future matchup, taekwondo giant vs karate giant.

 

[Doctor Grudge]

I was quite critical of him in this thread but I think he made nice improvements in defense distance management and power.

Not sure where he hoes from there, as it will be all rematches.
Vs Aspinall, it was really not competitive the first time, too soon imo.
Vs Blaydes, if Volkov hasn't fixed his TDD it will be a very shitty fight to watch.
Vs Gane, good fight, the first fight was competitive and they both had time to evolve.

If Despaigne keeps winning, it could be a very fun future matchup, taekwondo giant vs karate giant.

I don't think Despaigne's timeline matches up. They're both on the older side and Despaigne is going to be set back after his latest loss even if he does improve.

 

[650lb Sumo]

Rozenstruik: 1st round TKO
Romanov: 1st round TKO
Tai Tuivasa: 2nd round SUBMISSION
Sergei Pavlovich: comfortable decision

The UFC haven't updated their rankings yet:

Aspinall
Gane
Pav
Blaydes
Volkov

I'm sure people will point out Volkov has already lost to three of those. So? The most recent loss was over two years ago. Let's see a rematch. Drago has got to be one win away from a title shot at this point. His grappling has improved and his striking is a problem for anyone in the division. It's his time.

Beat Gane and the TS has to be next. Finally this is my boy's chance. The stakes for next week couldn't be higher, and I believe he has the tools to get it done. Expect to see some grappling, and takedown feints! Let's fucking go!

 

[Gregoire1]

He never beat Gane or any elite. He is gatekeeper.

 

[SerbianSteel]

He never beat Gane or any elite. He is gatekeeper.

Except, you know, pavlovich who was chewing up the division.

 

[JBJ was here]

Except, you know, pavlovich who was chewing up the division.

Pavlovich lost badly to the three best fighters he's fought in the UFC and for his second best win you can choose between Tai Tuivasa and Maurice Greene. He gets hit about as easily as the crippled ghost of Stipe Miocic.