MMA Preview – Alexander Volkov vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC Fight Night 207
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ALEXANDER VOLKOV VS JAIRZINHO ROZENSTRUIK FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 207? Sunday 5th June, 2022 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 207? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 207? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Fight Night 207 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 207? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ALEXANDER VOLKOV VS JAIRZINHO ROZENSTRUIK LOWDOWN
Alexander Volkov (34-10) makes a quick turnaround after getting dispatched by Tom Aspinall back in March. Volkov provided the biggest test of the prospects career but could not make it out the first round getting caught in his armbar. That made it 1-2 in his last three after getting schooled for five rounds by Ciryl Gane (2021) and then handing out a lesson himself to Marcin Tybura (2021) earning the unanimous decision, so he needs an impressive win here to stay relevant in the division.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik (12-3) wasted no time transitioning from a successful kickboxing to go 10-0 after starching legends Andrei Arlovski and Alistair Overeem in 2019. However, he quickly experienced how tough it can be at the top subsequently losing to three of the best in the division. He was added to Francis Ngannou’s victim sheet (2020) before TKOing Junior dos Santos (2020). He then also got outclassed in a decision by Ciryl Gane (2021) before TKOing Augusto Sakai (2021) and is also coming off a loss which was to Curtis Blaydes in a decision back in September last year.
ALEXANDER VOLKOV VS JAIRZINHO ROZENSTRUIK PREDICTION
Two of the most polished heavyweight strikers collide in what will be an intense stand-up battle. They will both be thankful they do not have to worry about getting taken down and both will be confident they can find the knockout.
The key differences are Rozenstruik’s one-punch knockout power and Volkov’s range. The Russian only has a two-inch arm reach advantage, but he boasts five inches in height and six and a half in leg which he will utilize by trying to keep Rozenstruik at bay with leg kicks and front kicks down the middle creating awkward angles with his height.
Rozenstruik cannot simply rely on his power and he will have to have a strategy of breaking the distance as Volkov uses his range masterfully and can keep a steady pace for five rounds. Rozenstruik will have to be very patient, so expect the tempo to be slow.
If Rozenstruik manages to find himself in the pocket, Volkov will clinch up and pound those knees up, breaking him down, but he also needs to be extremely cautious as Rozenstruik will carry the same threat as Lewis. He could be losing five rounds but uncork a bomb to close the show.
That said, the Lewis fight was the perfect lesson for Volkov. He knows how to use his technique and range to frustrate and pick a power-hitter apart and now knows he cannot lose focus for a second. We are backing him to get the job done this time, but there is no guarantee against someone like Rozenstruik. Knockouts either way or a Volkov decision is most likely here.
Prediction: Volkov via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Rozenstruik via KO/TKO
