Method of Victory
KO/TKO
Decision or late TKO. Volkov uses the jab to control distance for 3 rounds. If Cortes closes distance early and lands flush, one-punch upset is live. Volkov wins if he keeps it at range.
⚡FightIQ Analysis
Volkov is the pick. His 80-inch reach and technical boxing neutralizes Cortes-Acosta's pressure game. Cortes has three straight KOs but they came against Spivac, Lewis, and declining competition — this is a significant step up. Volkov has never been finished by strikes in 18 UFC fights and has gone the distance with Gane, Blaydes, and Pavlovich. Range control wins this fight.
Risk Factors
- ⚠Cortes-Acosta has serious one-punch KO power — one mistake ends this
- ⚠Volkov has been dropped before and can be caught walking forward
- ⚠Heavyweight volatility — any fight can end in seconds
