Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida prediction, pick, start time for UFC 321

Dan Tom
| MMA Junkie

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Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida meet on the main card of UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last event: 3-3

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Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida UFC 321 preview

Volkov (38-11 MMA, 12-5 UFC) currently holds the No. 2 spot in the UFC’s heavyweight rankings. He’ll be looking to bounce back from a questionable split decision loss to Ciryl Gane, which snapped a four-fight winning streak, and halted his title hopes. Almeida (22-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) sits at No. 5 in the UFC’s rankings, and comes in following back-to-back first-round stoppage wins over Alexandr Romanov and Serghei Spivac. The winner will likely challenge for the heavyweight crown next.

Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida UFC 321 expert pick, prediction

Filling out the main card is a heavyweight showdown between top-ranked heavyweights, Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida.

Although this fight makes sense on paper, I can’t help but feel for Volkov since he has to take on a dangerous opponent after suffering arguably the worst UFC robbery of 2024 against Ciryl Gane (who fights for the title on the same card, no less).

Looking to take Volkov’s spot is Almeida, who presents a unique stylistic challenge for many in this weight class. Affectionately referred to as “The Jail Man” on the internet, Almeida loves nothing more than dominating other men by either making them submit or by going to pound town.

Akin to the character Nasty Nate in the film “Half Baked,” Almeida is not a person you want behind you in any shape or form.

I don’t doubt that Almeida can ground Volkov early, but if the Russian can show an ability to survive and stand, then we could see the proverbial pendulum take a massive swing in this fight.

It’s hard to be confident either way, but I’ll take a flier on the underdog in Volkov to survive the storm and pull away down the stretch and force a stoppage via strikes in Round 3.