UFC Fight Night Overeem vs. Volkov is the most prominent spectacle this weekend when talking about MMA activities around the world. The two heavyweights are searching a way back to the top of the division, looking to add a win over a well-respected opponent and open the door to possibly some bigger challenge. Overeem desperately seeks the last chance to win the UFC title, while on the other side, Volkov needs to reassure everyone that he isn’t just another good fighter, but nothing more than that. It is why this battle presents a big deal for both participants. The result here might determine the future for them.
- Where: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
- When: Saturday, February 7, 8 pm ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Overeem vs. Volkov Odds
| Overeem | Volkov |
|---|---|
| +155 | -135 |
Overeem vs. Volkov Preview
Reem Against Time
One of the greatest fighters of all time is slowly heading towards retirement. The 40-year old has maybe two years left, and he needs to react fast in order to reach that ultimate title-shot. If by any chance, the Demolition Man wins the UFC belt, his legacy will become unprecedented. ‘
Last December, he was one step away from having a title-eliminator against Francis Ngannou. Still, a late knockout against Jairzinho Rozenstruik separated the Dutchman from the rematch against the Predator. By the way, Overeem was leading convincingly in the scorecards, and was going to win if he managed to stand up on his feet and finish the battle.
We don’t need to speak too much about his qualities. Overeem was considered a perfect fighter in his prime, with strong punches, fantastic elbows and knees, and one hell of endurance. As time went by, and with the years pressuring, he began slowing down slightly, but not as fast as many predicted. He has two straight wins right now, one against Walt Harris, where he survived a nasty burst in the first round, and the lastest one against Augusto Sakai.
Volkov To See Where He Stands
One of the biggest heavyweights didn’t have the success in the UFC as he did in Bellator and other organizations where he previously fought. Volkov had mixed results in the past two years. Following two big wins over Stefan Struve and Fabricio Werdum, he suffered two losses and wins.
The first defeat was against Derrick Lewis, who knocked out the Russian 11 seconds before the end of the fight, inflicting him a loss that severely slowed down Volkov’s rise in the organization.
After that, he beat Greg Hardy, in a very dull match at the UFC Fight Night: Magomedsharipov vs. Kattar. After this battle came the one vs. Curtis Blaydes, where the American outwrestled and outworked Volkov, who didn’t stand the slightest chances of defeating the Razor. In the last event, the 32-year old beat Walt Harris, via TKO in the second round.
Strong puncher, but a very poor wrestler, Drago as the fans call him, is pretty much a one-dimensional fighter with solid takedown defense.
Pick
We believe that this match won’t see the decision. End before the final horn is very realistic. Our first pick would be to bet on the KO stoppage. When it comes to picking the winner, Overeem is a better choice, mainly due to his versatility.
