Alexander Volkov looks over at Alistair Overeem after he knocked him out in the main event of UFC Vegas 18.
Alexander Volkov demolishes “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem with 2nd round TKO
Alistair Overeem vs Alexander Volkov
The UFC returned to the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada tonight, February 6, 2021, for UFC Vegas 18, headlined by two multi-organization heavyweight world champions when No. 5 ranked Alistair Overeem took on No. 6 ranked Alexander “Drago” Volkov.
In the co-main event of the evening, former UFC lightweight champion, No. 4 ranked UFC bantamweight contender Frankie Edgar, came up short, suffering a quick KO to No. 2 ranked bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen.
In the main event, Alexander Volkov came into this bout looking to put the heavyweights on notice. “Drago” easily dismantled Alistair Overeem via 2nd round TKO. A quick and easy night for Russian powerhouse.
Overeem came into this bout riding a two-fight win streak. Stopping Walt Harris and Augusto Sakai in 2020, Overeem entered 2021 looking to keep the momentum riding.
Alexander Volkov also has a recent win via stoppage over Walt Harris. “Drago” came into this bout as a slight favorite and certainly didn’t disappoint.
Here’s how the main event heavyweight showdown between Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem and Alexander “Drago” Volkov went down to conclude the evening.
Round 1: The fighters touch gloves and this main event is underway. Volkov dictates the pace early with a hard leg kick, putting Overeem off balance. “Drago” pressured Overeem against the cage and peppers some shots before retreating to center-cage. Overeem fires his own punches but coming up short. Volkov drills a front kick to the midsection of Overeem, reminiscent of his stoppage over Walt Harris. Overeem looks to score but can’t seem to get a rhythm. Both fighters clash while attacking. Overeem steps back, firing a calf kick. Volkov continues to dictate the striking pace with a Left body kick. Overeem sneaks in a right uppercut. Hesitant to commit, both fighters know their night could be cut short with a single mistake. A counter left hand from Volkov floors Overeem but looks more of a slip. Overeem gets back to his feet with Volkov pressuring “The Reem” against the fence once again. In the closing moments, Volkov blitzes Overeem while he’s shelled against the fence, sensing an increasing striking advantage as he splits Overeem open.
MyMMANews scores round 1 for Alexander Volkov. 10-9
Round 2: Volkov lands a stiff jab to kick off the second stanza. Overeem, knowing he needs to pick up the action, fires a strong head kick, but misses. Volkov begins piecing together his jab and straight right hands, finding a consistent key to success. Overeem puts Volkov on his heels, against the fence, looking to reassess his strategy. He pushes off “Drago” and gets back to the center of the octagon. Volkov begins letting his hands go, finding more success and significantly hurting “The Demolition Man”. Overeem attempts another calf kick to fend off “Drago”. However, Volkov lands another one-two straight down the middle, with the right hand hurting Overeem. Overeem shells against the fence again and Volkov patiently waits for his opening and fires with a hard right hook. Overeem’s face is bleeding profusely as Volkov puts his finishing touches on his masterpiece. “Drago” shoots a right hand followed by a stiff left hook that crumbles Overeem to the canvas, leaving him defenseless and bloodied. The referee doesn’t see any reason for any more punishment and quickly calls a halt to this main event.
Official result: Alexander Volkov defeats Alistair Overeem via 2nd round TKO. (2:06)
