LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 05: Alexander Volkov positions throughout a ritualistic weigh-in for UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena on October 05, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Volkov will battle Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight bout at UFC 229 on October 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (Picture by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Here are 5 things Alexander Volkov should do to win at UFC Vegas 3.

The 4th event held at the UFC Apex will play host to a heavyweight headliner when No. 3 ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes fights No. 7 ranked Alexander Volkov this Saturday, June 20th.

At 29 years old, Blaydes (13-2) has shown great promise in the UFC, boasting an 8-2-0 (1 NC) record, with both defeats coming from top contender Francis Ngannou. Standing in his way of a title shot is Volkov (31-7) who has won seven of his last eight and is looking to toss his name in the mix of the division’s elite.

Volkov, a former Bellator heavyweight champion, is fresh off a one-sided unanimous decision victory over Greg Hardy. Prior to that, Volkov suffered his first loss under the UFC banner at UFC 229 when Derrick Lewis pulled off a stunning come from behind victory, getting the knockout with just 11 seconds remaining in the third round of a fight that Volkov surely would have won on the judge’s scorecards. A renowned striker, Volkov also has notable wins over Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve, and Blagoy Ivanov.

UFC Vegas 3: Five Keys to victory for Alexander Volkov

1. Keep it standing

It is clear where the fight needs to take place for Volkov to find success and that is standing and striking on the feet. It is your classic striker vs. grappler match up.

Blaydes possesses some of the very best wrestling in the heavyweight division and has put that on display time and time again. You do not want to get your back stuck on the canvas with Blaydes on top, overwhelming you with pressure and gashing elbows. According to UFC Stats, Blaydes enters this bout balancing 6.63 takedowns per 15 minutes of battle time. Volkov, even with his takedown defense at 76 percent, must accept that he might get removed a time or 2, however to not stress when he discovers himself there. Stay calm and technical in attempting to get the battle back standing.

2. Control the range

Battling in the smaller sized 25- foot octagon instead of the typical 30- foot octagon and with Volkov standing at 6′ 7″ and Blaydes at 6′ 4″, it’s much easier stated than done, however Volkov will need to manage the range in Saturday’s mainevent Volkov has a very reliable Muay Thai teep kick he must make use of together with active footwork to keep the range at kickboxing variety and out of danger of a takedown. The additional Blaydes has to shoot for a takedown, the much easier it will be for Volkov to protect them and keep it standing.

3. Discover the jab

Developing the jab early will be crucial for a technical volume striker likeVolkov A strong jab can assist Volkov discover his variety, get in a circulation, and open other substantial strikes to land. With 15 first-round surfaces to his name, Volkov has actually revealed the completing capability to get it done fast, however versus an iron chinned opponent like Blaydes, who consumed Ngannou’s best shots for 10 minutes in his UFC debut, it will likely take a series of well-timed mixes with time to hurt Blaydes. Those mixes can be set in movement by a recognized jab.

4. Keep it high speed, usage volume

In Spite Of Blaydes having a wrestling background and appropriate conditioning, appearance for Volkov to press the speed with a heavy output of strikes. “Drago” is among the very best volume strikers the UFC’s heavyweight division has to deal, nevertheless, he needs to toss with care and not topple or overextend his shots in regard of a reactive level modification coming for a takedown or a big overhand ideal to counter his strikes by Blaydes.

5 Protect the takedowns

Continuing the style of this short article, Volkov should watch out for Blaydes shooting for a takedown at alltimes When possible, Volkov must look to utilize the cage to his benefit in safeguarding the takedown by getting his back to the fence and keeping his legs broad in order to make it hard for Blaydes to link his hands and get him down.

Often, a great offense is a greatdefense Volkov needs to look to include strikes like body uppercuts and shots to make Blaydes hesitate prior to taking part in grappling. Volkov should appreciate Blaydes’ wrestling capabilities and do whatever within his ability to not get removed in order to be triumphant Saturday night.

Next: Faces of Battling image gallery

UFC Vegas 3 occurs on Saturday, June 20, 2020, live from the UFC Pinnacle in Las Vegas, NV. Follow together with FanSided for all your live news and highlights.

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