It was reported earlier today that UFC will be returning to Russia on April 20th to host a massive stadium event from inside Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg.
Now it seems as if the upcoming Russia card has a serious heavyweight bout to call its own, as MMA journalist Farah Hannoun is reporting that former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem is expected to meet former Bellator MMA champion Alexander Volkov on the main card.
It has yet to be confirmed if Overeem vs. Volkov will serve as the event’s headlining act.
I’m hearing that Alistair Overeem is projected to face Alexander Volkov on this event. Still early stages though but it’s in the works. #UFCRussia https://t.co/bD8RdcSZQZ
— Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) January 11, 2019
Overeem, 38, is fresh off an impressive first-round TKO win over previously undefeated Russian prospect Sergei Pavlovich back at UFC Beijing. That victory ended a two-fight losing streak for the former UFC title challenger. Despite his up-and-down success atop the UFC’s heavyweight division, Overeem remains one of the most dangerous names on the roster. A victory over Volkov will help cement “The Reem” as a bona fide contender in 2019.
Volkov, 30, is coming off a crushing loss to Derrick Lewis at UFC 229 this past October in which “Black Beast” came from behind to knockout the towering Russian with seconds left in the third round. Before that, though, Volkov had won his first four Octagon appearances, including a gigantic knockout victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum back at UFC Fight Night 127. Volkov, who remains one of the most physically imposing contenders at the heavyweight level, could immediately jump back into the title hunt with a decisive win over Overeem on home soil.
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