The UFC 328 event in the United States featured a stacked card, including several Russian fighters. In the main card, heavyweight No. 2 contender Alexander Volkov faced a tough challenge against Dominican Waldo Cortes-Acosta. The Russian powerhouse, known as “Drago,” overcame a grueling battle to secure a unanimous decision victory, maintaining his status as a top title contender.
Volkov’s path has been anything but straightforward since his loss to Tom Aspinall in March 2022. While he remained in the division’s elite, Drago has since fought with renewed confidence and intelligence, avoiding the costly mistakes that plagued earlier bouts, such as the upset defeat to Derrick Lewis. Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Volkov earned a high-profile rematch with Ciryl Gane, a fight many felt he won — except the judges. UFC president Dana White promised to factor Volkov into title discussions but later reneged, instead giving Gane a title shot against Aspinall. Once again, Alexander was left to prove himself.
Prove himself he did. Drago dispatched Jailton Almeida, who was subsequently released from the promotion. Despite Aspinall’s injury, Volkov seemed a logical choice for an interim title bout, but that opportunity went to Alex Pereira instead. Instead, the UFC gave Volkov another tough test with no clear reward. “The situation is: the UFC gives me opponents to check if they’re ready for a title fight – whether they are or not. It was the same with Jair Almeida. He had a good winning streak, they put him against me, and after his next fight, they cut him. I just walk my path. I try to show everyone that I’m getting better and better. I’m ready for any fight,” Volkov told MMA Fighting.
The battle with Cortes-Acosta was no exception. The Dominican entered on a three-fight knockout streak, but Volkov used his size advantage to neutralize the power and grind out a decision win. Drago passed another promotion-imposed test and retained the No. 2 spot in the heavyweight rankings. The logical question follows: what’s next?
Has Volkov earned a title shot? From a purely sporting standpoint, yes — and he’s deserved it for some time, even before the Almeida and Cortes-Acosta fights. Drago has four straight wins, plus a successful rematch with Gane that was tainted by a robbery decision. Without that result, Alexander’s current winning streak would stand at seven fights — the best in the division.
However, the UFC is not purely sport. It values marketability, flashy style, and promotion favor. Volkov has improved his English, participated in shows, and maintained an active social media presence. His popularity is largely within the CIS countries, but he’s making significant strides. Yet, two key factors work against him: the perceived dullness and pragmatism of his current fighting style. Alexander avoids unnecessary risks, and his recent wins — and the controversial loss to Gane — have all been by decision. His fights do not excite North American audiences, as the tepid crowd reaction at UFC 328 demonstrated. In Russia, fans may overlook entertainment value for a countryman’s win, but in the U.S., spectacle matters. This remains a major obstacle to Volkov’s title dreams.
The victory over Cortes-Acosta, though hard-earned, raises doubts about whether the UFC will ever grant him the championship opportunity his résumé merits. Only time — and perhaps a more vivid performance — will tell.