UFC 333: Volkov outpoints Kuniev, asks Dana White for heavyweight title shot

Volkov used his reach, jab and kicks to control an all-Russian heavyweight fight. Kuniev had his best stretch in round two, landing a superman punch and lunging attacks, but Volkov's calf kicks slowed him in the third. Volkov then took his back and hunted a rear-naked choke in the closing minutes without finishing.

Volkov turned the win into another pitch for a title shot. He had crashed the pre-fight press conference and asked White the same question, and according to Combat Sports UK, White sent him to the UFC's matchmakers. After the fight he repeated it on the mic: "What should I do to take a title shot? Answer me please."

White has given no answer on a title shot. He said he knew it was Volkov asking at the press conference and thought it was a schtick, according to Heavy on UFC. MMA Fighting says Volkov likely awaits the Gane vs. Hokit result in the hope of facing the winner, and that it will be hard to deny him a shot unless Tom Aspinall returns. Heavy on UFC adds that the winner of Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 335 could get the next shot instead.