The Strong, Silent Type

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When Alexander Volkov debuted in the Ultimate Fighting Championship as a 28-year-old in November 2019, he already had Bellator MMA and M-1 titles on his mantel. While a UFC belt to complete his collection has thus far eluded him, “Drago” has established himself as a perennial Top 10 contender, and six years later he finds himself one of the most experienced fighters in the division, staring down the new guard of heavyweight prospects. Prominent among those up-and-comers is Tom Aspinall, whom he is scheduled to face in the main event of UFC Fight Night 204 on Saturday.

Despite his sustained success in the UFC, Volkov is perhaps the heavyweight division’s quietest contender; his nickname reflects not only his nationality, height and haircut but his stoic demeanor as well. Ahead of his headlining matchup with Aspinall, the towering Russian spoke to Sherdog about his UFC tenure, what it takes to stand out in his suddenly crowded division, and who he is outside of the Octagon.

You’re still young at 33 years old. You’re currently ranked as the No. 6 heavyweight contender in the UFC. Your record in the organization is 8-3. What can you say about your accomplishments since being signed in 2016?
Indeed, time flies very fast. I’ve already got a pretty impressive record in UFC as well as a total number of fights in MMA in general. I have a good vibe right now and it's an interesting time in UFC with all the younger fighters coming into the top of the promotion. It's a great moment to prove myself. I see value in each of my fights, both wins and losses. I'm sure that whatever the outcome, I bring good fights to my opponents, and I always go all the way.

Your opponent, England’s Tom Aspinall is ranked below you in the UFC, as the No. 11 contender. What can you say about your opponent’s skillset?
I see him as a strong opponent. Despite the fact that he has not had many fights in MMA, he is definitely at a high level. Ranking in the division does not really matter right now, because things are changing very quickly. Meeting him, with his successful performances, would be inevitable in the future. I just train in the gym at full force, and I believe in my victory over any opponent.

Do you feel any pressure to win by knockout or submission in the UFC to be considered a serious contender for the championship belt?
All that I feel during the fights and training is adrenaline and the opportunity to prove myself. How the fight ends is not that important, as long as I get my hand raised. In fact, dominating your opponent throughout the fight in different aspects requires much more skills than just hitting well and hard, or catching your opponent on the move. I don't like to talk a big game when it comes to knocking people out, but I'm always looking for an opportunity to do just that.

Can you share some details about your training for this next bout?
Now I am taking care of myself and improving my skills. In this regard, the opponent is not very important. Of course, I am studying him. This is so I know what to expect. I am preparing in Moscow with my team – Strela Team. My sparring partners are Sergei Pavlovich [UFC], Vladimir Daineko [Eagle Fighting Championship], and Amir Aliakbari [ONE Championship]. Other fighters from different promotions also come to spar but we spent the most time working together with the above-mentioned guys.

The three fighters who have defeated you in the UFC are ranked above you [Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes, and Derrick Lewis]. If you beat your current opponent, would you be interested in rematching any of the three?
I am interested in any bout in the UFC. Now the opposition is stronger than ever, and every fight is a great challenge. Of course, I prefer opponents who get me closer to the title but, in today's realities, any big and spectacular fight can make a fighter stand out from the rest.

Who are you as a person, outside of fighting?
At this time of my life, I give myself completely to sports and my family. Frankly speaking, I don't like all the hype connected with popularity and everything that comes with being a world-class fighter. I prefer a quiet, measured life, away from prying eyes. But I also fully understand that I am a professional athlete and a part of a huge industry. This is very exciting, and it motivates me to be more open to the media and connect with my fans via social media platforms. When you come to think of it, what I do is a dream job, and I'm glad that my family, close friends, and my team support me and help me to achieve my goals. I used to be just a regular guy, studying to be an engineer, and dreaming of getting into the Octagon one day. Now the dreams are more than fulfilled and I try to challenge myself more and more.

Anything else?
Thank you to everyone who supports me. I do all I can to become a better fighter and delight fans with my wins!