Alexander Volkov predicts Alex Pereira losing streak following UFC 335

Alexander Volkov has predicted that Alex Pereira will enter a losing streak after facing Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Russian heavyweight believes his countryman's devastating power presents a stylistic nightmare for the Brazilian former champion.

Volkov joked to interviewer Helen Yee that the press conference between Pereira and Pavlovich—both known for limited English—would be memorable, with one fighter saying "We'll see" and the other responding "Chama." More seriously, Volkov contends that Pavlovich's punching power is too much for Pereira to manage given his fighting style. "I see Alex Pereira going on a losing streak because it's a very hard matchup for him," Volkov said. "Pavlovich punches very hard. Considering his style, it is a very bad matchup for him."

Pereira (13-4) moved up to heavyweight earlier this year following three successful light heavyweight title defenses. His debut at the weight class proved difficult; he suffered a technical knockout loss to interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 250 in June. Pavlovich (21-3) has since compiled a three-fight winning streak and enters the matchup as a dangerous striker.

Volkov and Pavlovich were once teammates and friends, but their relationship fractured ahead of their 2024 fight. After Volkov won by unanimous decision, he attempted reconciliation, but Pavlovich remained upset and shoved him away. Volkov himself competes next at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi against Rizvan Kuniev.