Alexander Volkov believes he has ‘advantage’ against Alex Pereira, calls UFC White House bout ‘not true title fight’

Key Points:

• Alex Pereira is set to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title on June 14, moving up from light heavyweight, but top heavyweight Alexander Volkov criticizes the matchup as more promotional than a true title fight.
• Volkov argues that both Pereira and Gane have avoided wrestling-heavy opponents, making their fight less challenging compared to facing top wrestlers like himself or Curtis Blaydes.
• Volkov questions the logic of awarding Pereira a title shot given his recent losses and lack of experience at heavyweight, attributing the decision to UFC marketing and Pereira’s popularity rather than merit.
• He expresses sympathy for Tom Aspinall, the sidelined former champion injured by Gane, criticizing the UFC for giving Gane another title shot despite controversial conduct and Aspinall’s uncertain future.
• Volkov focuses on his upcoming fight against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328, emphasizing the importance of winning to earn his own title shot, while acknowledging uncertainties in UFC matchmaking policies.