MMA Preview: Sergey Pavlovich (18-2) vs Alexander Volkov

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Two Russian giants clash in the co-main event of UFC on ABC 6. Sergey Pavlovich is the fighter with the biggest Ape Index, meaning that his arms are much longer than you’d expect based on his height. His opponent, Alexander Volkov is the tallest UFC fighter in 2024, with a height of 6’7.

Sergey Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov Odds

MoneylineOdds
Alexander Volkov+185
Sergey Pavlovich-220

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday June 21, 2024

When, Where, and How to Watch?

Place: Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024

Time: ~3:00 p.m. ET

How to Watch: ABC

Sergey Pavlovich is 18-2 overall, with his first career loss happening in 2018 against Alistair Overeem. He then went on to win the next six fights, each by a first-round KO/TKO.

His brilliant run caught the eye of Dana White & Co., so they decided to give him a shot at the UFC Heavyweight interim title. The bout was against Tom Aspinall, but it did not go well for the Russian. The Englishman KO-ed him in the first round, after only 69 seconds.

Seven months later, Pavlovich is coming back to Octagon, this time to fight his fellow Russian, Alexander Volkov. Pavlovich is favored to win with -190 odds, but Volkov mustn’t be underestimated, especially because he tends to do well against prolific strikers such as his UFC Saudi Arabia opponent.

Alexander Volkov is 37-10 in his professional career, but he’s riding on a 3-win wave that saw him beat Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alexander Romanov, and Tai Tuivasa. The first two he beat by a first-round KO, while Tuivasa succumbed to an Ezekiel choke produced by Volkov.

Not only is he on a great run, but this guy also has a great history against opponents who put striking first. Pavlovich lands more than 8 significant strikes but he makes no takedowns. At least, he hasn’t made one in his UFC career which started back in 2018.

Volkov, on the other hand, is a much better wrestler and has decent grappling skills. And he tends to use them against strikers. He beat Tuivasa by submission, as well as went to a real wrestling/grappling war with Fabricio Werdum and Stefan Struve.

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Fight Editor
Profile: A seasoned combat‑sports analyst with a deep understanding of the tactical, technical, and promotional forces that shape modern MMA and boxing. This columnist delivers comprehensive coverage that blends fight‑film study, statistical insight, and industry context to break down matchups, rising contenders, and the evolving landscape of global combat sports. Background: With extensive experience covering major promotions, championship bouts, and regional circuits, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms focused on fighter development, coaching philosophies, and matchmaking strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term career trajectories across weight classes and organizations. Signature Coverage Areas: Fight previews and stylistic matchups Technical breakdowns of striking, grappling, and defensive systems Prospect scouting, rankings analysis, and divisional movement Promotional strategy, business trends, and event‑building dynamics Historical context, legacy discussions, and championship narratives Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex techniques, tactical adjustments, and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time fight fans and new followers of combat sports. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and global reach of MMA and boxing.