Alexander Volkov to Face Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333
The veteran heavyweight looks to continue his momentum in Abu Dhabi on October 24.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov will step into the octagon against Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. The event takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as Volkov continues his pursuit of the championship belt.
Why it matters
Volkov seeks to secure a title shot by maintaining his recent winning streak, which includes a victory over Sergei Pavlovich in the summer of 2024. Success against Kuniev would bolster his case to challenge for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Alexander Volkov enters the match with a 9-3 record in his last 12 fights and 28 total stoppage victories. The 38-year-old fighter has successfully won six of his previous seven contests.
The players
Alexander Volkov
He is a professional heavyweight mixed martial artist who has competed 51 times.
Rizvan Kuniev
He is the heavyweight opponent scheduled to face Alexander Volkov at UFC 333.
Sergei Pavlovich
He is a professional fighter who lost to Alexander Volkov in 2024 and is slated to fight Alex Pereira.
Josh Hokit
He is a challenger scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane for the undisputed title at Madison Square Garden.
Ciryl Gane
He is a professional heavyweight fighter set to defend his title against Josh Hokit.
The details
Volkov, who has adapted to communicating in English without a translator, aims to bring continued entertainment to the division. He currently holds 40 professional wins across a career that spans 51 total fights.
Timeline
Volkov defeated Sergei Pavlovich during the summer of 2024.
UFC 333 is scheduled to occur from October 24-26, 2026.
Josh Hokit will challenge for the title in November 2026.
Sergei Pavlovich faces Alex Pereira in December 2026.
Season Trajectory
This bout functions as a key component of a shifting heavyweight landscape in late 2026. The result positions Volkov in relation to upcoming title defenses like the November clash at Madison Square Garden.
Volkov maintains a win rate of six out of his last seven fights heading into this matchup. A victory for the 38-year-old would maintain his position as a top-tier contender for the division championship.
The takeaway
Volkov continues to demonstrate the importance of media engagement and linguistic adaptability in modern combat sports. Fans should track his performance against Kuniev as a primary indicator of his viability for future championship opportunities.
Further reading
Find more analysis on the sport by visiting our Mixed Martial Arts section.
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