Our Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev prediction breaks down Saturday’s high-stakes heavyweight clash on the UFC 333 main card at Etihad Arena.
Second-ranked Volkov looks to solidify his path toward a long-awaited title shot, while seventh-ranked Kuniev aims to make a major statement and vault into the division's upper echelon.
Check out the latest UFC 333 odds and free picks for Saturday’s heavyweight clash.
Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev predictions for UFC 333
| Pick |  Probability |
|---|---|
| Who will win: Volkov | 53% |
| Method of finish: Decision | 68% |
| Volkov to win by decision | 58% |
| Combo | 56% |
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Who will win Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev: Alexander Volkov
Alexander Volkov is my pick at UFC 333. Kuniev deserves credit for beating Jailton Almeida, but he’s still a bruiser who relies on toughness and wide, looping punches rather than technical precision.
He can wrestle, but hasn’t consistently demonstrated that he can transition to offensive grappling when his striking isn’t working. Against a second-ranked heavyweight with Volkov’s reach, experience, and fight IQ, that’s a serious problem. I expect Volkov to win the cleaner exchanges.
Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev top pick: Method of finish — Decision
This fight ending via decision is my top pick. Kuniev is a durable heavyweight who can make fights uncomfortable, but he isn’t the kind of relentless offensive wrestler who will put Volkov on his back and keep him there.
Kuniev’s toughness should let him withstand that offense, but his wide punches and limited adjustments will make it hard to consistently close the distance. I expect Volkov to control the striking exchanges without finishing, leading to a tactical three-round fight.
COVERS INTEL: Alexander Volkov has gone the distance in each of his last three fights, including decision victories over Jailton Almeida and Waldo Cortes-Acosta.Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev prop: Volkov to win by decision
Volkov by decision is my preferred prop. Kuniev is tough enough to withstand Volkov’s offense, but toughness alone won’t beat a technician of his caliber.
Volkov has significant advantages in height, reach, and experience, and his distance management should neutralize Kuniev’s looping punches. Unless Kuniev commits to sustained wrestling, I expect Volkov to outthink and outpoint him over three rounds.
Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev combo
Kuniev’s toughness should keep the fight going, but his inability to adjust consistently will make it hard to win rounds against the more experienced fighter.
I’m backing Volkov to control the distance and win by decision again.
Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev odds
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Method of Victory | Alexander Volkov | Rizvan Kuniev |
| To win outright | 57% | 43% |
| To win by KO/TKO | 21% | 12% |
| To win by decision | 58% | 32% |
| To win by submission | 8% | 9% |
| Fight will go the distance | Yes 63% |
No 37% |
Odds as of Oct. 22.
For more UFC 333 coverage, see our UFC 333 odds for every fight on the card, our Volkanovski vs. Evloev predictions for the main event, and our Yan vs. Dvalishvili predictions for the co-main event.
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Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev tale of the tape
| Alexander Volkov | Rizvan Kuniev | |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | Age | 34 |
| 6-foot-7 | Height | 6-foot-4 |
| Heavyweight | Weight Class | Heavyweight |
| 80 inches | Reach | 76 inches |
| 40-11 | Record | 14-3-1 |
| 24 | Wins by KO | 7 |
| 4 | Wins by submission | 2 |
Volkov holds significant physical advantages, standing three inches taller with four inches of additional reach. He also brings considerably more professional experience, with 51 fights compared to Kuniev’s 19 (including one no contest).
Although Kuniev is younger and has shown he can compete with established heavyweights, Volkov’s superior technical striking and experience against elite opposition should make the difference.
Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev Market Trends
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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