Volkov knocked out Struve in the third round (Photo: Reproduction/CombatePlay)volk
Alexander Volkov put water in the beer of the Dutch fans, who turned out in good numbers at the Ahoy Rotterdam arena, this Saturday (02), for UFC Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. In the main attraction of the night, the Russian knocked out Stefan struve at 3:30 of the third round, to the disappointment of local fans.
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After two busy and aggressive rounds, Volkov had the advantage in striking to reach his third victory in three fights in the organization, guaranteeing, at least, the 7th position in the rankings, which he already occupied before the duel. Former Bellator heavyweight champion, his record has 29 victories and six setbacks. Struve, in turn, had a sequence of two good results broken. In Ultimate since 2009, the Dutch giant had his 19th fight in the UFC, with 12 positive results and seven negative results.
“I feel good, I thank everyone for the support, from Russia, from around the world, I think we did a good show. The biggest problem is that we are very similar and, therefore, I had to change my style, but, as I promised, I finished in the third round. Whoever the UFC chooses, I accept,” declared the Russian, still in the octagon.
The fight
The fight began with the two firing blows at close range. Struve, with greater reach, tried to surprise with a left uppercut, which went empty. The Dutchman connected with a good high kick at the Russian, who caught the time of his legs and took it to the ground, but didn't want to enter his rival's guard. In the center of the octagon, the two rehearsed a frank exchange, but soon returned to studying each other. Volkov insisted on kicks to the waist, while Stefan fired left crosses. The Russian scored a good takedown in the final minute, landing in half guard and firing a barrage of blows at the Dutchman, who resisted until the bell sounded.
The second round returned with Struve trying to control the actions, while the Russian bet on the counterattack. Volkov was accidentally poked in the eye, paralyzing the duel for a few moments. The fight resumed with the two exchanging good blows in the center of the octagon, shaking both fighters. Volkov landed a strong uppercut on Struve, who felt it and stepped back. The Russian continued to press, but was again illegally hit with a finger in the eye. Alexander continued to get the better of the exchange, landing hard direct shots on his rival, who closed in and just waited for the round to end.
Aware of the disadvantage in the early stages, Struve returned to pressure Volkov, who quickly got the better of the standup again. The Russian's right hand began to repeatedly enter Stefan's face, who showed the courage to resist. But it wasn't enough to resist Volkov's momentum, who went up and fired strong direct shots, knocking the Dutchman down. It only took a few more blows for the referee to stop the fight.
Talita Bernardo debuts after being knocked out by Marion Reneau
Reneau got the better of Talita (Reproduction/Twitter UFCEurope)
Talita Bernardo started her career in the UFC on the wrong foot. Although she had a good first round, the Brazilian, who was called up for the duel with just five days to go, got tired during the fight and was no match for the experienced Marion Reneau, who knocked her out at 4:56 of the third round. The North American, who became the first 40-year-old woman to fight in Ultimate, wins again in the company, after drawing with Bethe Correia last March. The newcomer, in turn, lost her second in seven professional fights in her career.
Reneau started pressing, connecting with good right hands. Talita, however, went for the feathers and took him down. In the North American's guard, the Brazilian did little work, while her rival tried to surprise with pedal strokes. When trying to get out of position, Reneau left the leg to Talita, who tried to get a submission, without success. The situation reversed and it was Marion who tried to apply a triangle, but the Brazilian managed to free herself. The debutant continued to get the better of the ground, without much effectiveness.
The second started with Reneau surrounding her rival against the fence. With a disadvantage on her feet, Talita tried to take the duel to the ground, without success. Marion continued to get the better of the exchange, landing strong right blows. The Brazilian managed to get on her legs and fell, but for a short time, as the veteran got back to her feet. In the clinch, Reneau alternated between good elbows and knees.
Talita came back quickly looking for a grappling fight, taking the fight to the ground. From below, Reneau tried to create a triangle, but the Brazilian defended herself efficiently. Better physically, Reneau invented the position, got on top and went to the back, using a rear naked choke, but Talita got out of the position. From below, the Brazilian was severely punished by Reneau, who struck without stopping, forcing the central referee to end the fight.
UFC ROTTERDAM RESULTS:
MAIN CARD
Heavyweight: Alexander Volkov derrotou Stefan struve by technical knockout at 3:30 of R3
Welterweight: Siyar Bahadurzada defeated Rob Wilkinson via TKO at 3:10 of R2
Bantamweight: Marion Reneau defeated Talita Bernardo by technical knockout at 4:56 of R3
Welterweight Weight: Leon edwards derrotou Bryan barberena by unanimous decision of the judges (29×28, 29×28, 29×28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight Weight: Darren till defeated Bojan Velickovic by unanimous decision (30×27, 30×27, 30×27)
Lightweight: Mairbek Taisumov defeated Felipe silva by knockout at 1m24s of R1
Lightweight: Michel Tractor defeated Mads Burnell via submission (north-south position) at 1m25s of R3
Lightweight: Rustam Khabilov defeated Desmond Green via unanimous decision (29×28, 29×28, 30×27)
Light Heavyweight: Aleksandar rakic derrotou Francimar Bodão by unanimous decision of the judges (30×27, 30×27, 30×27)
Feather weight: Zabit Magomedsharipov defeated Mike Santiago via submission (rear naked choke) 4m22s of R2
Heavyweight: Abdul-Kerim Edilov defeated Bojan Mihajlovic via TKO at 2:25 of R2
Lightweight: Thibault Gouti defeated Andrew Holbrook by TKO at 4:28 of R1
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