Alexander Volkov meets Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 on Saturday, October 24, with little separating the fighters in the betting market. Volkov is listed as a -120 favorite, while Kuniev sits at +100 for their matchup at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Is Volkov worth backing at that price, or does Kuniev offer better value? Below, we examine our Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev picks and predictions, including the betting odds and best bets.
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UFC 333 Main Card Picks & Predictions: Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev
UFC 333 is a loaded card with two title bouts and several ranked matchups. The promotion is headed to Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Alexander Volkanovski is putting his belt on the line against Movsar Evloev in the main event, while Petr Yan puts his on the line in a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. The prelims start at 10 a.m. ET, while the main card starts at 2 p.m. ET, all on Paramount+. Here are our top main card picks and predictions for UFC 333.
Alexander Volkov (-120) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (+100)
The long-time UFC veteran Alexander Volkov has worked his way to No. 2 in the heavyweight rankings. He has won six of his last seven fights, with the lone loss coming against current champion Ciryl Gane in December 2024 via split decision.
Volkov is fighting Rizvan Kuniev, the seventh-ranked fighter in the division. Kuniev is 4-1 in the UFC, with three knockout victories. His only loss was against Curtis Blaydes in June 2025 via split decision.
This is a very competitive matchup between two streaking heavyweights. Volkov is 40-11 as a professional and has much more experience. Volkov is a kickboxer who has a four-inch reach advantage in this matchup. Kuniev is a skilled wrestler with solid striking, especially in the clinch.
Volkov should pick Kuniev apart at range over 15 minutes. He does not have tremendous power for the division, but he is still a massive heavyweight, so the power is there. Kuniev uses pressure to set up takedowns and overwhelm his opponents. That should not work in this matchup.
Kuniev cannot rush in against Volkov. Volkov has precise striking and is a skilled counter-striker. I expect Volkov to limit the pressure from Kuniev by keeping him at range and countering him on his way inside. This is a bad matchup for Kuniev, and he will have to take some damage to find success. Volkov has too much experience and counter-striking to succumb to Kuniev.
Bet: Alexander Volkov (-120)
