Volkov vs. Almeida: Odds, Fight Preview, and Expert Prediction
UFC 321 is set to feature an intriguing heavyweight clash between Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida on October 25, 2025. The fight will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fans are anticipating this matchup as it showcases Volkov’s striking skills against Almeida’s grappling prowess.
Fight Preview: Volkov vs. Almeida
Volkov enters this bout after a controversial loss to Ciryl Gane, where many believed he secured victory despite the judges’ verdict. UFC President Dana White assured Volkov of continued support following this setback. Facing Almeida presents a significant challenge, given the latter’s reputation as a top takedown artist in the heavyweight division.
On the other hand, Almeida has proven himself in the UFC, winning eight of his nine fights. He is a formidable contender and is often regarded as a dark horse in the heavyweight ranks. With an impressive record of 22 finishes in 23 bouts, Almeida is not just known for his ground game; he can also be aggressive on the feet.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Current betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook reflect the competitive nature of this fight:
- Alexander Volkov victory: +180
- Alexander Volkov via TKO/KO/DQ: +300
- Alexander Volkov via submission: +1750
- Alexander Volkov via decision: +800
- Jailton Almeida victory: -218
- Jailton Almeida via TKO/KO/DQ: +450
- Jailton Almeida via submission: +150
- Jailton Almeida via decision: +550
Volkov is known for his kickboxing skills, utilizing a combination of powerful strikes and effective kicks. A key to his success in this fight will be his ability to defend against Almeida’s takedowns, a skill he has worked to improve since his last loss in 2020.
Almeida, though appearing smaller than many heavyweights, utilizes his speed and grappling abilities to dominate larger opponents. His strategy will likely revolve around launching early takedown attempts and maintaining ground control. If he can secure a takedown, his grappling acumen could pose significant problems for Volkov.
Expert Predictions
Many experts favor Almeida to win this bout due to his ability to implement a ground strategy effectively. While Volkov has demonstrated striking advantages, the fight dynamics favor Almeida in grappling exchanges. The consensus is that Almeida may win by decision if he can execute his game plan effectively and neutralize Volkov’s striking abilities.
UFC 321 Event Details
The UFC 321 main event will also feature a heavyweight title fight where champion Tom Aspinall defends his title against Ciryl Gane. Other notable bouts include a strawweight title fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, as well as a bantamweight clash between Umar Nurmagomedov and Mario Bautista.
The event is scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. ET with the “Early Prelims,” followed by “Prelims” at 12 p.m. ET, and the main card at 2 p.m. ET. El-Balad will provide comprehensive coverage of the event, including live updates.
