Alexander Volkov v Jairzinho Rozenstruik: All You Need to Know

bet365 News Team Published: May 30 2022 13:36

Heavyweight duo Alexander Volkov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik are both looking to get back on the winning path this weekend.

Volkov was last seen when losing to Tom Aspinall in the headline event at UFC London on 19th March, suffering a submission defeat in the opening round.

The Russian has struggled for consistency since being matched up with the best in the division, losing two of his last three fights, and another loss will end any slim hope of earning a title shot this year.

Rozenstruik also heads into this bout off the back of a loss, but he can hold his head high after going the distance with Curtis Blaydes at UFC 266.

This weekend's bout also sees Bigi Boy arrive at a crossroad in his career after losing two of his last three fights.

What's the significance of the main event?

The heavyweight division is one of the most competitive in the UFC at present with some big-hitters and highly-talented mixed martial artists.

Everyone has their sights set on champion Francis Ngannou but there's plenty of movement in the rankings below the Cameroonian, especially after some big match-ups in 2022.

The likes of #3 Tai Tuivasa, #4 Curtis Blaydes and #6 Tom Aspinall all appear to be on the up and any slip-up can prove costly in pursuit of a shot at the champion.

With Blaydes and Aspinall set to headline UFC London on 23rd July, Volkov, who is ranked #7 and #8 Rozenstruik desperately need to get back on track this weekend.

Defeat will likely mean dropping down the rankings over the coming months with their rivals set to be in action over the next few months.

What are their records?

Alexander Volkov - 44 fights, 34 wins (22 KOs), 10 defeats.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik - 15 fights, 12 wins (11 KOs), 3 defeats.

Where is the fight taking place?

Saturday's event takes place at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada.

What time does the card start?

The prelims get underway at 19:00 on Saturday, 5th June and the main card is scheduled to begin at 21:00, finishing around 00:30.

Who is fighting on the undercard?

Dan Ige vs Movsar Evloev
Michael Trizano vs Lucas Almeida
Poliana Botelho vs Karine Silva
Alonzo Menifield vs Askar Mozharov
Felice Herrig vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz

What are the odds?

Volkov is the 4/6 favourite to win Saturday's main event in Las Vegas and the Russian, who boasts 25 wins inside the distance, can be backed at 12/5 to earn victory by KO, TKO, DQ or Submission.

Rozenstruik is the 6/5 underdog to have his arm raised in the octagon this weekend. The 34-year-old is known for his knockout power, claiming 11 wins via KO/TKO and he can be backed at 9/4 to win by KO, TKO, DQ or Submission.