UFC: Alexander Volkov feels Francis Ngannou fight is ‘logical’, and says ‘we have a great history’
- Russian ‘Drago’ insists ‘I will handle everything’ in Ngannou’s game if he secures a heavyweight title shot with victory over Ciryl Gane
- Volkov exchanged war of words with ‘The Predator’ in 2019, but says ‘the main reason I want to fight him is because he holds the belt’
Alexander Volkov believes the winner of Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 30 main event should get a shot at the heavyweight title – and would relish a clash with Francis Ngannou after their previous dispute.
The fifth-ranked “Drago” (33-8) is riding back-to-back knockout victories over Walt Harris and Alistair Overeem, with undefeated Frenchman Gane (8-0) on a five-fight win streak since joining the UFC in 2019. Victory for either would certainly strengthen their case to be the next challenger after Derrick Lewis.
“Actually, no assurances, but I think it’s logical,” Volkov told SCMP MMA. “Our new champion showed desire to fight three to four times a year, so we can fight anytime. I’ll be happy to face him and I will handle everything in his game.”
Volkov exchanged a war of words with Ngannou (16-3) and courted a fight with him in 2019, which should add some spice if the Russian can secure himself a shot at the Cameroonian’s belt.
“I think we have a great history to promote the fight but the main reason I want to face him is not because of who he is but because he holds the belt,” said Volkov.
Saturday’s heavyweight clash will showcase two of the best strikers in the division, with each fighter bringing a different approach to their stand-up style.
