Alexander Volkov Stays Focused, Defeats Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328

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Alexander Volkov Stays Focused, Defeats Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated May 11, 2026 12:53 PM ET

NEWARK, N.J. — Alexander Volkov isn’t forgetting the past. And that memory may be exactly what’s keeping him dangerous. Volkov earned a unanimous decision victory over Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328 on Saturday night, extending his winning streak to two and potentially pushing himself back into the heavyweight title picture.

Volkov (40-11 MMA, 14-5 UFC) admitted after the fight that his cautious approach stemmed directly from one of the most painful moments of his career his 2018 loss to Derrick Lewis.

That night, Volkov was comfortably ahead before Lewis landed a dramatic knockout in the closing seconds. It’s something Volkov says still follows him. “Everybody reminds me of this again and again every time they see me,” Volkov said.

Alexander Volkov defeats Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision

(30-27, 29-28, 29-28) #UFC328 pic.twitter.com/6NkVlbUzUT

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 10, 2026

Respect for Cortes-Acosta

Though some fans may not have viewed the performance as flashy, Volkov emphasized just how dangerous Cortes-Acosta (17-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) was throughout the fight. “Waldo is a tough motherf-----,” Volkov said. “Nobody can finish him.”

Volkov scored a knockdown in the second round but refused to get reckless, instead opting for a disciplined performance built around movement, accuracy, and patience.

Volkov admitted the Lewis knockout still enters his mind during fights. “It’s flashbacks every time,” he said. “Be focused, be accurate until the end.”

That mentality appeared to guide his approach Saturday night, as he carefully avoided giving Cortes-Acosta opportunities for a comeback shot.

Heavyweight Title Picture Looms

The win could place Volkov near another title opportunity in a heavyweight division filled with uncertainty. Current champion Tom Aspinall is waiting while an interim title fight between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira approaches.

If Pereira wins, he would become the first three-division champion in UFC history. Where Volkov fits remains unclear and even he seems unsure.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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