Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev UFC 333 Prediction

Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev are set to meet on the UFC 333 main card at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with Volkov picked to win by decision. The heavyweights are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 2:40 p.m. ET, and the event streams live on Paramount+.

Volkov and Kuniev bring winning streaks

Volkov enters with a 40-11 MMA record and a 14-5 mark in the UFC. The No. 4-ranked heavyweight has won his past two fights, beating Jailton Almeida before defeating Waldo Cortes-Acosta in May.

Kuniev is 15-3-1 overall and 2-1 in the UFC. Ranked No. 5 in the Meta UFC rankings, he has also won his last two bouts: against Almeida and, most recently, Tyrell Fortune in July. A win over Volkov would strengthen Kuniev’s position, while another victory could help Volkov press his case for a title shot.

Volkov’s range is the key to the pick

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom expects Volkov’s reach and straight-line attacks to disrupt Kuniev’s rhythm and help him take control as the fight progresses. Tom’s official pick is Volkov by decision.

The analysis points to range as the central issue for Volkov. If he cannot keep the fight at a distance that suits him, Kuniev could make things difficult along the cage. Kuniev is also presented as a potential underdog pick, but Tom favors Volkov’s ability to manage the matchup over the full fight.

The preview also notes that Volkov has a case for a title opportunity after his recent wins and what it describes as a disputed loss to Ciryl Gane. It says UFC president Dana White had promised to take care of Volkov after that result. Still, Volkov has another contender in front of him, and a win over Kuniev would give him a third straight victory.

UFC 333 odds and viewing information

FanDuel lists Volkov at -122 and Kuniev at +100. Those odds favor Volkov, though the matchup is expected to test his ability to dictate where the fight takes place.

Volkov and Kuniev are scheduled for the UFC 333 main card at Etihad Arena. Their approximate cage-walk time is 2:40 p.m. ET, and the card will stream on Paramount+.