Alexander Volkov, the Russian heavyweight fighting in the UFC, is set to fight Heavyweight mainstay Alistair Overeem this weekend at UFC Fight Night 184 for the main event. However, the heavyweight division is scheduled for a massive new entry in Jon Jones, who has finally given the green light to a heavyweight move. 

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Given the star power of Jon Jones, the media is speculating that he will be directly inserted into a title fight, or at least a number one contender’s match. This disgruntles some heavyweights, and hence, Volkov was asked in a recent interview if Jon Jones should get a title shot at heavyweight.

Alexander Volkov replied, “I think it’s okay because he is a good fighter. He is a legend of UFC. (He is) one of the best fighters in the UFC, and if he comes to heavyweight, he will make heavyweight more interesting.

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The fighter added, “If he fights for the belt (it would) be more interesting for the division right now. So, I am okay with this, and maybe it will be better, I think.” He felt that Jones getting a title shot is deserved because of the public exposure he brings to the division. 

Alexander Volkov’s prospects in the Heavyweight Division

Volkov surely has his eye set on the heavyweight title fight between current champion Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou at UFC 260. He is currently ranked number 6 in the official UFC rankings, while Overeem is ranked number 5. A win over Overeem will certainly see his stock rise and help him come closer to the title shot he desires.

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Curtis Blaydes, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Derrick Lewis complete the top six in the rankings. 

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Ngannou Stipe

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He gave Jones his due and then also expressed his eagerness to challenge Jones in the future. His answer gave a sharp insight into the mindset he holds, and the respect he gave Jones was refreshing. Come Saturday, and everyone will find out whether Alexander Volkov has what it takes to challenge Jon Jones. 

Read More: Incredible Body Transformation of Jorge Masvidal Over The Years

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Aniket Awasthi

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Aniket Awasthi is a soccer author at EssentiallySports. This STEM undergraduate combines an insatiable urge to write with his admiration for soccer to enhance his journalism. He lists charismatic names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford as his favorite players, but he is a great admirer of Karim Benzema too. Aniket also volunteers with an NGO that engages in causes ranging from women's empowerment to the prevention of climate change and pollution. Aniket is someone who is intrigued by the beauty of rhymes and regards himself as an amateur poet. He runs a poetry website called Words Stringed Together. Besides this, he too plays soccer, just like the entities he covers.

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