Alexander Volkov Calls Francis Ngannou Unbeatable, Sees Opportunity Amid Heavyweight Shakeup
Alexander Volkov has declared Francis Ngannou as the greatest heavyweight fighter while also praising Tom Aspinall, who he says was on the path to greatness.
Alexander Volkov set things straight when assessing the top of the UFC heavyweight landscape. With the 265-pound division in constant flux, the veteran gave his honest take on who he considers the elite of the weight class, and his answer looks beyond the current UFC roster.
The 37-year-old Russian, who holds an impressive 40-11 professional record with 28 stoppage victories, still puts former heavyweight kingpin Francis Ngannou at the absolute top of the mountain.
“I think Francis Ngannou is still unbeatable,” Volkov admitted. “I know he’s a hard person to deal with, but this guy is still unbeatable. Francis Ngannou is one of the best.”
While Ngannou plies his trade elsewhere, Volkov also offered high praise for Tom Aspinall, calling the English powerhouse a “true champion”. However, Volkov couldn't help but feel for Aspinall after recent division drama, including heat and controversy surrounding Ciryl Gane, derailed Aspinall’s white-hot momentum.
A New Opening at Heavyweight
“I feel a little bit bad for him because it kind of ruined his career,” Volkov said regarding Aspinall’s situation. “Everything looked so different before the fight with Gane. He was on such a good win streak and in such a good position. If I was in his place, I would be a little frustrated.”
Despite the sympathy, Volkov is a prizefighter at heart. Having fought at the sport's highest level since 2009, earning 24 career knockouts along the way, he knows that top-tier chaos creates title opportunities.
Volkov has quietly put together one of the strongest runs in the division, pairing his trademark 80-inch reach and striking output with refined grappling defense to stay locked inside the top five. With the title picture murky and tiffs boiling over between top contenders, "Drago" believes his moment has finally arrived.
“But it is what it is,” Volkov said. “I have my own career, I have my own goals. It happened, and it opened an opportunity for me. Just give it to me.” The Russian wants the title shot next.
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