Alexander Volkov

Alexander Volkov is one of the more technically refined strikers in the UFC heavyweight division. A former Bellator heavyweight champion, the towering Russian brought his rangy kickboxing to the UFC and made himself a long-running fixture in the division's top ranks, fighting behind a long jab and teep kicks to keep opponents at the end of his strikes.

What stands out is the quality of his competition. Volkov's losses have come mostly against the absolute elite, the kind of fighters who win titles, while a strong recent run - including wins over feared hitters like Sergei Pavlovich - has kept him in title contention deep into his career. His record sits around 39-11.

For newcomers, Volkov is a reminder that heavyweight isn't all about brawling. He's a measured, distance-managing striker who uses his enormous frame intelligently, and after years near the top he remains a credible threat to anyone in the division.