Alexander Volkov takes on Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the main event of UFC Vegas 56. Both men are looking to bounce back from some tough losses to top contenders and will want to get their names back in the title picture. Both men are known for their striking games and this fight has all the makings of a kickboxing match. The bout is taking place at the UFC Apex which means these giant men will be fighting in the smaller cage. For these big heavyweights, that's going to play a factor as their movement is going to be different and it's going to force them to engage, something the fans are hoping will happen.
Alexander Volkov is coming off of a tough loss to Tom Aspinall at UFC London back in March. The Russian has been beating heavyweights outside of the elites but has struggled when going up against the best in the division. There is a real question here about his durability considering he's taken some tough stoppage losses over the years. He has wrestling in his back pocket and it's something that could potentially play a factor against Jairzinho Rozenstruik. The Russian is very tall for the division and knows how to effectively use his height and length to keep opponents on the outside. This fight is going to be very important for him to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik is a kickboxing-based fighter with serious power and a frustrating low-volume fighting style. He knows when to explode at the right moment and holds some really good wins in the UFC. He can get outclassed on the feet though and has had issues against high-level strikers like Alistair Overeem and Ciryl Gane. His power is going to play a factor here if he can set up a big moment and catch Alexander Volkov at the right time. Rozenstruik is in need of a win here or his time as a heavyweight contender may come to an end. He certainly has the game to get things done in this one.
Here are the UFC Vegas 56 odds, featuring our Alexander Volkov-Jairzinho Rozenstruik prediction, courtesy of FanDuel.
UFC Vegas 56 Odds: Alexander Volkov-Jairzinho Rozenstruik Odds
Alexander Volkov ()
Jairzinho Rozenstruik ()
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How Alexander Volkov Wins The Fight At UFC Vegas 56
Alexander Volkov is a well-rounded fighter with plenty of weapons to utilize against Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Keeping the smaller fighter in the outside and firing away with kicks are going to be key. Rozenstruik is a low-volume fighter that will allow the Russian to control the pace and control the cage. The clinch could be a factor in this one and it would be a useful opportunity for Volkov to land some knees and stifle the movement of Rozenstruik. Mixing in the wrestling will help win rounds as it's clear the Surinamese fighter has a weakness in that department. Defensively, Volkov will have to be cautious and avoid any counters and getting stuck against the cage. If he can keep Rozenstruik on the outside and chip away at him, it will be his fight to lose. It won't be entertaining but the Russian wins a decision to keep himself relevant in the division.
How Jairzinho Rozenstruik Wins The Fight At UFC Vegas 56
Jairzinho Rozenstruik has the clear power advantage in this fight and he's going to have to use it. The smaller cage will benefit him as Alexander Volkov won't have the space to avoid him for five rounds. He'll look to use his counterattacks to land a big shot and the five rounds mean he won't be using too much volume as he'll want to watch his gas tank. He'll probably lose the first round as Alexander Volkov will be looking to establish the distance whilst Rozenstruik will be hunting for big countershots. Things will take a turn in the second round as the Surinamese fighter starts to land and hunt for the finish. His power should be enough to end the Russian's night early. Rozenstruik finds the knockout in the second round.
Final Alexander Volkov-Jairzinho Rozenstruik Prediction & Pick
This is an interesting chess match between two men that have the skills to beat each other. The five rounds mean both men are going to be careful and aren't going to go crazy in the early goings. Alexander Volkov's durability has been in question after his past couple of fights and that bodes well for the powerful Jairzinho Rozenstruik. The Suriname native will be looking to land big counter shots and find the stoppage on the feet. His game lately has been counter striking and that's led to a low volume approach that sees him try to capitalize on mistakes. He'll be very confident striking with Volkov and that should lead to some good counter shots landing. Rozenstruik earns the stoppage with a second-round knockout.
Final Alexander Volkov-Jairzinho Rozenstruik Pick: Jairzinho Rozenstruik wins by knockout in the second round.
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