Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Prediction, Picks, Odds for UFC 333 (Saturday, October 24)

Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev

Check out the Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev prediction for UFC 333 on Saturday, October 24, along with my betting preview and breakdown.

Rizvan Kuniev has a major opportunity in front of him at UFC 333 in the form of seasoned veteran and perennial contender Alexander Volkov. Both fighters stand to gain status as a potential number one contender for the UFC Heavyweight championship upon getting their hand raised on Saturday night. Volkov has been victorious in six of his last seven Octagon appearances, while Kuniev has won his last two bouts since dropping his main roster debut. Let’s dive into the analysis for this matchup and pick a winner.

Here's my Volkov vs. Kuniev pick and prediction.

Tale of the Tape

Kuniev was a two-time winner on Dana White’s Contender Series before immediately being thrust into the division’s contender mix by drawing Curtis Blaydes for his first main roster contest in 2025. Kuniev proved his merit by defending 13 of 15 takedown attempts from Blaydes, one of the division's best wrestlers. 

After dropping round one, Kuniev settled in and showcased his talent in round two by winning the striking exchanges decisively. Kuniev’s boxing acumen, quick hands, and timely counters have been a theme of his UFC tenure from this particular round forward. Despite Blaydes earning the split decision nod, it did not slow down the momentum of Kuniev much, as he quickly bounced back in convincing fashion when he handled Jailton Almeida earlier this year.

Kuniev and Volkov are a true contrast of striking styles; Kuniev wants to make this fight as ugly as he can by closing the distance to make his opponent uncomfortable. Landing strikes in the pocket and potentially in the clinch is the path to victory for the younger of the two Russian fighters. Kuniev has landed 57 strikes at distance during his two fight winning streak, while landing 51 total strikes inside the clinch – a ratio he would love to sustain in this spot versus the rangy Volkov.

Volkov has been inside the cage with every type of fighter over the past ten years since joining the UFC. Along the way, he has made drastic improvements in his defensive wrestling skills. His distance management remains sharp, and keeping Kuniev at space will be key. Volkov’s stabbing kick is undoubtedly a weapon Kuniev has yet to deal with in his MMA career, and I expect this strike to be unleashed repeatedly.

The threat of the takedown could also play a major factor for Kuniev if he wants to keep his veteran opponent guessing. Entering the pocket with reckless abandon may be a necessary evil to get the fight he wants, but threatening a takedown would be the easier route to get his hands on Volkov to eventually set up his tremendous work in the clinch.

Kuniev has not landed a takedown since his first appearance on DWCS, but given the timing instincts he possesses, I like his chances of completely one in the first round or two. However, that does not necessarily mean he will win that round or that the fight is tilting in his direction.

Volkov is a different level of striker than anything he has faced thus far in his career – in both length and skill. I have a hard time believing a relatively inexperienced heavyweight can figure out such a difficult puzzle so quickly.

Kuniev has been defensively sound in the short time we have seen him, but his high guard does leave him susceptible to body kicks and uppercuts coming back in his direction. Volkov possesses plenty of tools to make him pay if the openings present themselves or Kuniev gets frustrated and overextends himself trying to take an aggressive approach.

Volkov vs. Kuniev Pick, Prediction

Dating back exactly six years, Volkov has nine victories and only three defeats. Those three losses have been at the hands of two fighters – Tom Aspinall and Cyril Gane. Volkov has made a career out of adapting to his opponents’ skillset and the price we are getting on him at UFC 333 seems more than reasonable given the chances that he can solve his specific matchup once more.

I’d line this closer to the -150 mark than the near pick 'em odds we’ve seen in the betting market thus far. Volkov’s strength of schedule and experience make him a favorite worth backing here. I expect him to fight intelligently and efficiently en route to a unanimous decision win.

John's Picks:  Volkov -118 (DraftKings)

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