Volkov beat Hardy on points (Photo: Twitter/UFCNews)
Away from the Octagon for over a year, the heavyweight Alexander Volkov counted on the support of the fans to make a triumphant return to the second most important attraction of the UFC Moscow, held this Saturday (9). The Russian, who would face Junior Gypsy, removed from the card after contracting bacteria in his leg, brought a reality check to the always controversial Greg hardy, overcoming him without difficulty in the unanimous decision of the judges (triple 30×27).
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The result keeps Volkov in the heavyweight elite, now with five wins in six appearances - his only setback in the organization came in his penultimate fight, when he was knocked out by Derrick Lewis 11 seconds left in the fight, after the Russian had clearly won the entire fight. Hardy, in turn, continues to fail to make a name for himself in Ultimate. In five fights, he has two wins, two defeats and one no contest, caused after illegally using an asthma inhaler during his penultimate duel.
The fight
Hardy started closing the distance and connecting with good jabs, while Volkov was more cautious in his attacks. More technical, Volkov had a lower volume of strikes and tried to surprise with high kicks, but Hardy showed good movement. In the final minute, Hardy landed two strong right blows, well absorbed by the Russian.
Volkov returned more active, taking space from his rival, who began to attack less and less. With an advantage in the exchange, the Russian started to attack Hardy's waistline, who responded with a dangerous right cross. The strategy of investing in kicks continued to pay off for Volkov, who rocked Hardy in the final stretch of the round.
Aware of the disadvantage in the opening rounds, Hardy returned aggressively in the opening seconds of the decisive stage, but was not effective. More physically whole, Volkov continued connecting the most dangerous blows, exploiting the defensive gaps in the American's game. The Russian still rocked his rival with a beautiful left high kick, but was unable to settle the score before the 15th minute.
UFC Moscow results
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Zabit Magomedsharipov derrotou Calvin kattar by unanimous decision of the judges (29×28, 29×28, 29×28)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Alexander Volkov derrotou Greg hardy by unanimous decision of the judges (30×27 30×27, 30×27)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Danny Roberts defeated Zelim Imadaev by knockout at 4:54 of R2
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Ed Herman defeated Khadis Ibragimov by unanimous decision of the judges (30×27 30×27, 29×28)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Anthony Rocco Martin derrotou Ramazan Emeyev by unanimous decision of the judges (30×27 29×28, 29×28)
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Shamil Gamzatov derrotou Klidson Abreu by split decision of the judges (29×28, 28×29, 29×28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Dalcha Lungiambula by technical knockout at 29 seconds of R3
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Rustam Khabilov defeated Sergey Khandozhko by unanimous decision (30x27 29x28, 29x28)
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Karl Robertson derrotou Roman Kopylov via submission (rear naked choke) at 4m01s of R3
Welterweight (up to 77kg): David Zawada derrotou Abubakar Nurmagomedov by submission (triangle) at 2m50s of R1
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): RooseveltRoberts derrotou Alexander Yakovlev by unanimous decision of the judges (29×28, 29×28, 29×28)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Pannie kianzad derrotou Jessica Rose Clark by unanimous decision of the judges (30×27, 30×27, 30×27)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): davey grant defeated Grigory Popov via split decision (29×28, 28×29, 29×28)
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