Alexander Volkov believes Jailton Almeida is approaching his fights the wrong way after their UFC 321 fight.
Volkov and Almeida shared the Octagon at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi last Saturday. The fight lasted all three rounds and there was a divided verdict. Volkov ultimately won in split-decision.
During the UFC 321 post-fight presser, Volkov said he thinks Almeida is hurting his stock due to the lack of activity in his fighters (h/t MMA Junkie).
“He wasn’t trying to lose the fight or trying to take damage,” Volkov said. “You can’t go to the octagon with these thoughts. It’s really hard to stand up for me or stand up for me when the guy is just checking you out. With Almeida, no one gave him good ground defense in our division, and he could try to punch or submit anyone every time.
“But with me he was afraid to do anything on top, and that’s why I have the ability to hit him, even from the bottom. I expected him to try to hit me on top, and I’ll find little holes to change, to sweep him like it was in the first round. But after the first round he certainly didn’t want to do this. It is what it is. I’m also angry about this fight, but I’m still waiting for the UFC to give us Performance of the Night give.”
UFC CEO Dana White also spoke to media members after UFC 321. He said he agreed with the two judges who scored the fight for Volkov. The UFC boss also said Almeida’s strategy won’t cut it at this level.
Although Volkov was hoping to get a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship, he may have to wait a little longer. Title holder Tom Aspinall was unable to continue fighting in the first round of his championship fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The result was ruled a no-contest as Gane accidentally suffered a double eye poke. White has said the plan is to book a rematch between the two as soon as possible.
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