Alexander Volkov vs. Walt Harris | UFC 254 Predictions - bettingexpert
UFC 254: Heavyweights collide – ‘Volkov vs. Harris’
This is the only heavyweight action we’re going to get this Saturday on UFC 254. Heavyweight fights are usually more exciting to watch as they generally tend to end inside the distance more often than not. In fact, upwards of 70% of all heavyweight fights have ended before the final buzzer, making it by far the division in the UFC with most finishes.
Let’s have a closer look at the fighters:
Alexander Volkov
Age: 32 | Reach: 203 cm | Height: 201 cm | Weight: 114 kg
Record: 31-8 | UFC record: 5-2
Strikes landed per min.: 4.50 | Strikes absorbed per min.: 2.50
Russian Alexander Volkov joined the UFC back in 2016 and immediately stared racking up wins. Just a little over a year later, he would find himself unbeaten in 4-fights with a scheduled bout against Derrick Lewis lined up. Volkov would face defeat for the first time under the UFC mantle, being viciously knocked out with only 10-seconds remaining in the final round. Volkov had won every round prior.
Despite ending up as the latest edition to Lewis’ highlight reel, Volkov bounced back with a win over Greg Hardy but went on to lose his next outing to Curtis Blaydes. Volkov was taken to the ground a whopping 14 times over the course of 5 rounds, and was outclassed in what proved to be an impressive showcase of wrestling from Blaydes.
Volkov has a finish rate of 75% and uses his long reach to pick his opponents apart from a distance. Despite not carrying lots of power, he still ends up finding the finish often when he fights. Volkov has a striking defense of 54% and a striking accuracy of 58%.
Walt Harris
Age: 37 | Reach: 195 cm | Height: 195 cm | Weight: 114 kg
Record: 13-8 | UFC record: 6-7
Strikes landed per min.: 4.50 | Strikes absorbed per min.: 2.50
American Walt ‘The Big Ticket’ Harris joined the UFC back in 2013, but a 3-fight skid in the organization would render him cut from the promotion. However, racking up wins outside the UFC would finally cause Dana White to put him back on the bench, and this time Harris looked like he was ready for prime time. With a few highlight KO’s (his biggest one against Aleksei Oleinik) Harris would be next in line for a contender fight against Alistair Overeem. Like so many before him, Harris ended up being the victim of the technically sound striking of Overeem, and was TKO’ed in round 2. Now, Harris is back to prove his place among the top of the UFC heavyweight division, and a win over Volkov would certainly do the job.
Harris has a finish rate of 100% and relies on his hands to get the job done inside the distance. Harris has never gone the distance and won. Harris has a striking defense of 56% and a striking accuracy of 39%. He surrenders 3-inches in reach to the Russian
Alexander Volkov vs. Walt Harris UFC 254 Prediction
While Harris’ hands spell danger for any man, I see Volkov getting the W Saturday night. Volkov, nicknamed ‘Drago’, has adopted a technical approach to heavy-handed opponents as of late, which he also displayed to great effect against Derrick Lewis (arguably the hardest-hitting heavyweight ever). Despite suffering a late KO loss in that fight, he dominated the shorter man with his length in that fight, and I can honestly say that I don’t see why he shouldn’t be able to do the same to Harris. Walt is a great striker, but he lacks what Volkov has: fight IQ and technical striking. Harris’ record also paints me a picture of inconsistency, almost losing half of his pro fights isn’t exactly a plus in my book.
Harris is too simple to beat a guy like Volkov. You need some attributes to beat this guy – wrestling, jiu-jitsu or at least striking that is as dangerous as Lewis’. Harris is not a grappler and if he wants to stand and trade with Volkov he’s setting himself up for failure. The longer guy wins 70% of the time if he can keep the fight standing, and I don’t see any evidence pointing towards a different narrative for this fight. Going with the Russian.
Prediction: Alexander Volkov via UD.
