UFC Vegas 18: Alistar Overeem vs. Alexander Volkov Picks, Odds and Predictions

Alistar Overeem and Alexander Volkov are the main event at UFC Vegas 18 on Saturday, February 6, 2021 on ESPN+. 

In this heavyweight (205-265lbs) bout, we have Alistar Overeem vs. Alexander Volkov. Overeem is fighting out of Amsterdam, Netherlands. He is entering this bout as a +170 underdog. He is currently on a two fight winning streak. In those two fights, he won against Agusto Sakai via TKO and Walt Harris via TKO. Before his last two wins, he lost to Jairzinho Rozensruik via KO with three seconds left in the fifth round. He has a professional MMA record of 47-18-0 and has 25 wins by KO/TKO (53%), 17 submissions (36%), and 5 decisions (11%). 

Volkov is fighting out of Moscow, Russia. He is entering this fight as a -200 favorite. Volkov won his last fight against Walt Harris. He has notable wins over Greg Hardy, Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve and Roy Nelson. He has a professional MMA record of 32-8-0 and has 21 wins via KO/TKO (66%), 3 submissions (9%), and 8 decision (25%).  

This is Alistar Overeem’s last chance at potentially fighting for the heavyweight title. He is currently the number fifth ranked heavyweight in the UFC. Overeem had an incredible career and has proven he is still dangerous. In a few interviews leading up to the fight, Overeem mentioned that once he isn’t a contender to fight for the title, he will retire. Therefore, if Overeem loses this bout, he will lose his opporunity to fight for the title. Overeem needs  to win this fight. Volkov is entering this bout as the number sixth ranked heavyweight. Volkov is going to have a significant reach and ground advantage. If Overeem is able to keep Volkov from utilizing his significant reach advantage, he will win this fight. My pick is a slight lean… My pick is…