Alexander Volkov put himself on the shortlist for a UFC heavyweight title shot.

This past Saturday at UFC London, Heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov asserted himself as a top prospect with a dramatic knockout of former champion Fabricio Werdum.

Werdum opened with his signature flying sidekick. Which it appears Volkov had anticipated. The fight was an excellent mix of grappling and striking. Overall Werdum, controlled the majority of the action through three rounds, but the pace was starting to wear on him. Later in the fight, Volkov began connecting cleanly, and the shots marked up Werdum’s face, forcing him to pull deep half guard and sweep to the top position. However, these efforts only seemed to tire Werdum, and in the fourth round, Volkov got a dramatic knockout he had desired, with a flurry of uppercuts.

This boosts the former Bellator champion’s record moves his record up to 30-6. He is undefeated in the UFC at 4-0.

This victory moves Volkov into legitimate contender status. Even in a division as shallow as heavyweight, he will likely need one more victory over a top ten opponent before he fights for the title, as champion Stipe Miocic is currently set to battle Lightheavyweight champion Daniel Cormier for the belt.

The UFC could set him up against strong wrestler Curtis Blaydes, fresh off a victory over Mark Hunt. But likely they will look to preserve both contenders, and set Volkov up against a veteran striker like Dos Santos.

As for Werdum, this is a major setback. At age 40, he is now 3-3 in his last 6 fights. Although, very few of his losses have been finishes, it is unlikely he will receive another shot at the title in his career. Still, as a legendary Heavyweight, and an important connection to the Brazilian market, Werdum will likely have a lucrative journey into retirement, fighting other veteran Heavyweights.

Highlights of the fight can be found below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMiVKMMJamE

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