Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest UFC 333 Odds for Saturday, October 24th
Alexander Volkov continues his push toward a long-awaited heavyweight title opportunity when he meets rising contender Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333. Can Volkov use his enormous frame, range and experience to keep the powerful Kuniev from turning the matchup into a grinding close-range fight? Check out this Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev prediction and best bet for Saturday, October 24.
Peter Alexis - October 24, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadAlexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Prediction: Will Volkov Grab Win as Part of Stacked UFC 333 Card?
Volkov enters Abu Dhabi having won six of his last seven fights, with his only loss during that stretch coming by a disputed split decision against Ciryl Gane. He has responded with consecutive victories and remains ranked near the top of a heavyweight division searching for its next championship challenger.
Kuniev has quickly climbed into that conversation after overcoming a narrow UFC debut loss. Consecutive wins over Jailton Almeida and Tyrell Fortune have established him as a legitimate threat rather than another developmental heavyweight.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Recent Results
Alexander Volkov (40-11)
Volkov has quietly produced one of the strongest stretches of his lengthy UFC career. After the controversial split-decision loss against Gane, he bounced back with a narrow victory over Almeida before defeating Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision in May.
His 6-foot-7 frame remains one of the division’s most difficult physical puzzles. Volkov uses his jab, front kicks and long combinations to punish opponents before they can consistently establish their preferred range.
Rizvan Kuniev (14-3-1, 1 NC)
Kuniev lost a split decision to Curtis Blaydes in his first UFC appearance but has responded with two consecutive victories. He defeated Almeida before stopping Fortune with knees to the body in the third round in July.
The 34-year-old combines physical strength with solid wrestling and enough striking power to remain dangerous throughout the fight. His ability to pressure Volkov toward the fence could be his clearest path to neutralizing the favorite’s reach.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Date, Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Main Card: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Streaming: Paramount+
- Scheduled Rounds: Three
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Odds
- Spread: Volkov -3.5 (+140) | Kuniev +3.5 (-190)
- Total: Over 2.5 (-250) | Under 2.5 (+190)
- Moneyline: Volkov -125 | Kuniev +105
Click here for complete UFC odds
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Prediction
Kuniev is precisely the type of opponent who can make this uncomfortable. His physical strength and pressure give him an opportunity to eliminate Volkov’s range by forcing prolonged clinch exchanges against the fence.
Volkov has dealt with virtually every style available during a 40-win professional career, however. His recent form has also been considerably better than the inconsistent version that struggled to build momentum earlier in his UFC run.
Distance management should be the key. Volkov has the length to touch Kuniev repeatedly with jabs and kicks while circling away before the underdog can establish sustained pressure.
Kuniev’s victory over Almeida proves that he belongs at this level, and his stoppage of Fortune showed that he carries offense deep into fights. He cannot be treated like an inexperienced prospect simply because Volkov has the more established résumé.
The difference is Volkov’s ability to consistently win minutes at range. In a matchup priced close to a pick’em, that combination of experience, size and technical striking provides enough of an advantage to back the veteran.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Best Bet
- Pick: Alexander Volkov Moneyline (-125) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Kuniev should have success whenever he can crowd Volkov, but maintaining that position for three rounds is difficult against a 6-foot-7 opponent who moves well and understands distance. Volkov’s experience and cleaner long-range striking make -125 an appealing price as he pursues a third straight victory.
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