That includes Tuivasa, the proud West Sydney knockout artist who competes at home for the first time in seven years this weekend, and returns to the scene of his UFC debut looking to snap a two-fight skid.
“Tai Tuivasa is a good guy with a good career in the UFC,” Volkov began when asked about his UFC 293 opponent. “He’s really funny and a very powerful puncher. He’s a good fighter with good striking skills, but I think I have an advantage in (all areas). I’m more technical, better wrestling, better in jiu jitsu, too, I think. This is how I feel and I will try to show it in the fight.
“It will be a good show this night because he has a lot of fans in Australia,” he added. “I’m really excited to be here, fighting with Tai Tuivasa in his home. He’s a stand-up fighter, same as me, so it will be an exciting fight for all fans.”
For Volkov, all the work — the changes, the constant search for ways to improve — is in service of reaching his ultimate goal of standing atop the UFC heavyweight division, and he sees this weekend’s fight with Tuivasa as a chance to show he’s ready to challenge for championship gold.
