Alexander Volkov will step inside the Octagon this weekend against fellow Heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes. A win over the streaking contender will strengthen Volkov’s claim for a title shot. Standing in his way will surely be another Heavyweight who’s been actively rallying for a shot at Heavyweight gold – Francis Ngannou. Hence the former Bellator champ is willing to fight Ngannou in the future.

In a night that most fans remember very distinctly, Volkov saw his six-fight win streak snapped away in 2018. At UFC 229, Volkov was in full control of his fight with Derrick Lewis. However, a hail mary by Lewis caught Volkov with just eleven seconds left in the fight. The loss was a stark reminder for the Russian as to how fast things can change in a fight.

Volkov returned to the Octagon in his hometown of Moscow with a dominant victory over Greg Hardy in November last year. However, there is a steep jump in the level of competition between Volkov’s last opponent and Blaydes. A seasoned wrestler, Blaydes has won his last two fights via TKO. While Volkov gives him the credit for that, he still thinks his experience will come in handy.

“I see he is getting better in the striking in every fight. Junior was concentrated on his takedown defense and that’s why he made these mistakes,” Volkov said while talking to FanSided. “But you have to do everything in this sport, and I’ve been in this sport for a long time, more than 10 years, so I’m used to fighting this type of fighter. For sure, his striking is becoming better and better and I respect this, but I am also not a simple guy in this sport.”

Alexander Volkov discusses future fights with Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones

Volkov’s next opponent, Curtis Blaydes, has a professional record of 13-2. Interestingly, both his losses have come against Francis Ngannou. The Nigerian has been on a terrorizing street recently. He is a lock to fight the winner of Daniel Cormier vs Stipe Miocic. While Volkov takes note of Ngannou’s position ahead of him in the title picture, he thinks a fight with the heavy-handed Ngannou will happen in the future.

“I understand that Ngannou deserves a title shot because he won a lot of fights quick, [against] a lot of top guys, so if it’s his turn then he goes next. I don’t worry about that,” Volkov said.

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“[Ngannou] is a good fighter. I like his style, how he fights,” Volkov said. “[A fight with Ngannou] has to happen someday, after my win. Probably he wants a title shot first and maybe I will fight with him after, but for sure, someday we will meet because we are both good strikers, and we can make a good show,” the Russian added.

Another fight that piques Volkov’s interest is against Light Heavyweight champ Jon Jones. ‘Drago’ is aware that ‘Bones’ has been teasing a move up to Heavyweight for a long time. Jones has been making headlines recently after slamming Dana White over a pay dispute. However, a fight with Jones will come with its share of perks.

“Right now, he is playing with the fans or something, I don’t know. If he came to heavyweight, I’d appreciate a fight with him because he won the belt, he’s the best fighter in the world, a big name, and everything. I love his style and I’d want to challenge him in the Octagon someday if he became a heavyweight.”