Former Bellator MMA Heavyweight Champion Alexander Volkov earned his second win in UFC competition at UFC On Fox 24, defeating Roy Nelson by decision.
Even though he is undefeated under the UFC banner, the Russian heavyweight doesn’t want to call out anybody for a fight.
“Frankly, I’m not ready giving a name because everyone right now in the division are great guys,” Volkov said after the event. “I’m happy with anyone that is higher than me in the rankings, and I can be happy to fight them.”
Prior to his victory over Nelson, the former heavyweight champion defeated Tim Johnson by decision at UFC Fight Night 99.
Volkov knew that Nelson was going to be a tough challenge, with his punching power being the Russian fighter's biggest concern.
“It was a hard fight,” Volkov said. “I really loved it. It was one of the new exams for me in the UFC, this great fight. Roy didn’t surprise me with anything. He did everything we expected, so basically, it’s a hard-fought, tactical win. We were worried about his heavy hands and his wrestling. We knew that he tried both – basically, two of his main weapons – and during the fight, I had to feel both of those tools myself, and I was happy I was able to overcome both of them. I felt his punch. I didn’t fall because there is no fight where someone doesn’t try to punch you, and through the three rounds, you don’t receive a single punch. I did receive some, but I won. It was a tactical fight. I’m happy that on the standup and on the ground. I was able to overcome him, and I’m happy with it.”
There has been three heavyweight champions in the history of Bellator MMA and Volkov is the only one of them to make his way to the UFC.
