Saturday night’s action-packed UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi features a “Big Boy Battle” between top-10 heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev.
Volkov (40–11, 14–5 UFC) has won six of his last seven fights, most recently scoring a unanimous-decision victory over Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328 in May. Kuniev (14–3–1, 2–1 UFC) is coming off his second Octagon win, a third-round TKO against Tyrell Fortune in July.
Volkov enters as a -125 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Kuniev is a +105 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Fight Preview
Alexander Volkov (#2)
- 40–11 (14–5 UFC)
- 24–2 (T)KO
- 4–3 SUB
Alexander Volkov refuses to relinquish his top-contender status in the twilight of his career. The 38-year-old Russian has won six of his last seven fights since June 2022, including two straight wins heading into Saturday night. His lone loss in that span came via an immensely controversial split decision to current champion Ciryl Gane.
“Drago” is a skilled striker backed by a 6-foot-7 frame and an 80-inch reach. His towering size advantage was on full display earlier this year against Waldo Cortes Acosta, as he picked his opponent apart from range to earn a commanding decision win. With superior Octagon experience and fight IQ, Volkov will look to implement a similar game plan against another rising contender at UFC 333.
Rizvan Kuniev (#7)
- 14–3–1 (2–1 UFC)
- 7–0 (T)KO
- 2–0 SUB
Rizvan Kuniev is looking to punctuate an impressive 2026 with his third straight win. The rising Russian contender climbed the heavyweight ladder with a unanimous-decision win over Jailton Almeida and a third-round stoppage of Tyrell Fortune.
Kuniev, 34, is also formidable on the feet but prefers close quarters, often operating out of the clinch or up against the cage. That said, he may struggle to close the distance on Saturday night against a much longer opponent. He also heads into UFC 333 at a serious experience disadvantage; in just his fourth fight in the promotion, Kuniev will face the No. 2-ranked heavyweight with nearly a decade’s worth of Octagon know-how.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Pick, Best Bet
Earlier this year, Alexander Volkov stumped Waldo Cortes Acosta with his overwhelming size advantage and unmatched experience. The heavyweight veteran will have access to those same tools against Rizvan Kuniev. The rangy Russian should control the dance on the feet, peppering the promotional newcomer with timely punches and front kicks to the body. It might not be enough for the finish, but it should be plenty to get his hand raised in Abu Dhabi.
