Tomorrow the UFC makes it’s return to London for the first time in three years and they are bringing a banger of a card. In the main event of the evening, England’s own Tom Aspinall (11-2) will look to continue his surge towards the top against Alexander Volkov (34-9).
For Volkov, he’s going to be looking to pick up his second straight win. The last time we saw him was back at UFC 267 when he took on Marcin Tybura on Fight Island. Wasn’t the most entertaining bout, but Volkov got the win.
Overall, Volkov is 4-3 in his last seven fights. However, the three losses came against top UFC competition like Ciryl Gane, Derrick Lewis, and Curtis Blaydes. He’s going to be a big test for the top prospect Aspinall. .
Tom Aspinall enters UFC London riding a seven-fight winning streak including a 4-0 start inside the octagon. He’s finished all eleven of his wins and he hasn’t gone past the second round inside the octagon. This is his biggest test, and if he passes, he could be on the fast-track towards the title.
UFC London Prediction
I’m incredibly fascinated to watch this fight play out on the feet tomorrow night. On one hand, we know the striking that we will see from Alexander Volkov. He loves to use his range with sharp kicks and stinging punches down the middle.
That said, Tom Aspinall’s boxing is arguably the best in the UFC’s heavyweight division. He spends a lot of time training with the best boxer in the world, Tyson Fury. He is more than capable of handing his own in the striking department.
In addition to his dangerous hands, Aspinall has a very slick ground game. I’m looking for him to mix in some takedown attempts on Volkov to keep the Russian guessing on his attacks tomorrow night.
I am expecting some big moments from Volkov. This fight at UFC London is going to be competitive and I don’t see Aspinall running through Volkov like he’s ran through most. However, I still like Aspinall in this spot.
The speed of his strikes plus the ability to mix in takedowns is going to play a big factor tomorrow night. His cardio is a big question for me and it’s going to get tested as I think this goes the distance. But, the sharpness of his shots and the takedowns will be enough to get the biggest win of his career.
Prediction: Tom Aspinall by Decision