Heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta clashed at UFC 328.
Volkov vs Cortes-Acosta UFC 328 Round 1
Referee Mike Beltran started the action between the two heavyweights. Volkov and Cortes-Acosta traded leg kicks early. Volkov landed more kicks, targeting the leg and body. “Waldo” chants could be heard in Newark as Volkov continued with leg kicks, and Cortes-Acosta responded with a combination of punches. Not all of Cortes-Acosta’s punches found their target. Volkov continued to land kicks. Cortes-Acosta chased Volkov around the octagon but struggled to connect his strikes. A jab finally landed for Cortes-Acosta, who then attempted to catch a kick thrown by Volkov. Cortes-Acosta landed a left hook and right hand. Volkov connected with a body kick, but Cortes-Acosta fired back with a left to the head. MMA Fighting scored the round 10-9 for Volkov.
Volkov Aims to Re-enter Title Mix
Russia’s Volkov made his way to the octagon carrying his home country’s flag. The former Bellator champion expressed his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s decision to book Gane vs. Pereira for the interim title. He vowed to put his name in the title mix with a win.
Cortes-Acosta’s Recent Form
Waldo Cortes-Acosta walked to the cage with the Dominican Republic flag. He has fought six times in the past 14 months, compiling a 5-1 record. “Salsa Boy” has secured consecutive knockouts over Derrick Lewis, Shamil Gaziev, and Ante Delija. He hoped that defeating another established contender would keep him on the fast track to a title shot.
Volkov (39-11) beat Jailton Almeida in his most recent outing following a loss to Ciryl Gane. The Russian veteran has won five of his past six fights and owns 24 career knockouts, though he has not finished a fight since September 2023.
Cortes-Acosta (17-2) has reminded everyone that the best ability is availability.
The UFC 328 finishing streak was snapped in the Brady vs. Buckley fight.
Volkov is currently No. 4 at heavyweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings and the pressure is on for him to defend his spot against the No. 6-ranked Waldo Cortes-Acosta.