David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Francis Ngannou wants Alexander Volkov next.
UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov dealt Greg Hardy his second UFC loss on Saturday. Volkov won via unanimous decision against “The Prince of War,” who stepped in as a late replacement for former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos.
After the fight, Volkov received props from former title contender Francis Ngannou, which also came with a challenge.
Well done Volkov .
Let’s go now and please don’t turn this down again.#UFCMoscow #UNCROWNEDCHAMP— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) November 9, 2019
Well done Volkov .
Let’s go now and please don’t turn this down again. #UFCMoscow #UNCROWNEDCHAMP
“The Predator” was one of the fighters offered to step in as dos Santos’ replacement against Volkov. But Ngannou, however, turned it down, citing 18 days was too short for him to get ready.
“‘In 18 days.’ Really? For what purpose?” Ngannou told TMZ Sports in a late-October interview. “What is the goal for this fight because it’s a step down for me. We’re talking about what, a title shot guarantee, a contract renegotiation, what? ‘No, we’re not talking about that. Just a fight.’
“So we think about it and we’re like, what is the purpose to risk to go to the fight without a training camp because it’s just 18 days.”
Volkov bounced back from late TKO loss to Derrick Lewis at UFC 229 in October 2018. He now holds a record of 31-7 (with 23 wins by stoppage).