In the ever-unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, the opinions of legends carry significant weight, particularly when those legends have spent years ruling the upper echelons of the sport. Following the high-stakes action at UFC 333, former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has offered his seasoned perspective on the current landscape of the promotion. Speaking in a recent interview, Miocic turned his attention toward the heavyweight division, heavily endorsing surging contender Alexander Volkov. At the same time, the veteran icon dissected a potential lightweight superfight involving Alexander Volkanovski and Justin Gaethje, providing a fighter’s breakdown of the stylistic matchup.
The commentary from Miocic arrives in the wake of a standout performance by Volkov at UFC 333, where the Russian heavyweight secured a notable victory over Rizvan Kuniev. The win further cemented Volkov’s status as a formidable force in the division, keeping him firmly in the championship conversation. While the heavyweight title picture is always subject to shifting dynamics, Miocic believes that Volkov possesses all the right attributes to eventually capture the gold.
Stipe Miocic Tips Alexander Volkov to Become UFC Heavyweight Champion
Miocic, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in mixed martial arts history, expressed a deep level of respect for Volkov’s career, resilience, and evolution inside the Octagon. Having shared the heavyweight ecosystem with some of the most dangerous strikers and grapplers in the history of the sport, Miocic understands what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the weight class. According to the former champion, Volkov has quietly navigated a punishing division by fighting top-tier competition without ever backing down.
"I’ve always watched him and I’ve always rooted for him," Miocic shared during his interview. "I’m glad I never fought him, but I think if he gets the opportunity to become champion, he’ll get it done."
Reflecting on Volkov’s consistency and durability, Miocic dismissed any notion that the Russian contender is vulnerable to quick knockouts or being easily overwhelmed by elite competition. Instead, Miocic highlighted Volkov’s unique approach to fighting, noting that the veteran heavyweight implements his game plan effectively and operates at the highest level of the sport.
"I think he’s quick and it’s not like he goes into fights and gets smoked," Miocic continued, elaborating on why he views Volkov as true championship material. "I think he just does it his own way, and I think he’s right there. Volkov has fought everyone. He’s super tough."
Volkov’s career has indeed been defined by longevity and activity against the division’s elite. By consistently facing the toughest tests the UFC heavyweight roster has to offer, Volkov has built a resume that commands respect. For Miocic, who spent years defending the heavyweight crown against the division’s most lethal challengers, recognizing Volkov’s readiness for a championship opportunity serves as a strong endorsement of the Russian’s current trajectory.
Miocic Predicts Justin Gaethje Would ‘Pick Apart’ Alexander Volkanovski in a Lightweight Superfight
Beyond the heavyweight landscape, Miocic also addressed the major talking points emerging from the lighter weight classes following UFC 333. Among the hottest topics of discussion is a potential superfight between Alexander Volkanovski, who earned a victory at the event, and the explosive former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. The prospect of Volkanovski moving up to test himself further in the lightweight division has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike, and Miocic was eager to weigh in on how such a compelling stylistic matchup might unfold.
While Miocic expressed admiration for Volkanovski’s toughness and competitive drive, he offered a cautious outlook for the Australian star if he were to step into the Octagon against a knockout artist of Gaethje’s caliber. Miocic anticipates that while Volkanovski would likely find moments of success early in the contest, Gaethje’s relentless pressure and heavy hands could ultimately prove to be the deciding factor.
"I think Volkanovski would come out strong, but I think Gaethje could end up storming it," Miocic predicted. "He’d pick him apart. Gaethje would do what he’s good at and just start throwing hammers."
Gaethje, renowned for his fan-friendly, high-octane fighting style and devastating power, has built a reputation for breaking opponents over the course of a fight through sheer volume and concussive blows. Pitting that style against a master technician and high-IQ fighter like Volkanovski creates a fascinating puzzle for combat sports enthusiasts.
Miocic Backs Volkanovski’s Lightweight Ambitions Despite Gaethje Warning
Even with his prediction that Gaethje’s power and pressure could dictate the later stages of a potential matchup, Miocic was quick to dismiss the idea that moving up in weight would be a mistake for Volkanovski. The former heavyweight champion emphasized that elite fighters thrive on high-risk challenges and that stepping into deep waters against a dangerous opponent like Gaethje is precisely what defines a legendary career.
"Volkanovski is super tough. He’s an absolute animal," Miocic stated, praising the relentless work ethic and competitive spirit of the featherweight standout. "And Gaethje, he’s also a different breed. If they went head-to-head it’d be a great fight."
Miocic maintained that regardless of the potential hazards posed by Gaethje’s striking arsenal, Volkanovski possesses the grit required to compete with anyone on the roster. When two elite competitors of that caliber share the Octagon, standard predictions often fly out the window as split-second decisions and raw determination dictate the outcome.
"I don’t think Volkanovski would be making a mistake by moving up weight divisions," Miocic added. "Fighting Gaethje is the type of fight where anything can happen."
As the aftermath of UFC 333 continues to shape the future of multiple divisions, insights from veterans like Stipe Miocic offer valuable context to the matchups fans are eager to see next. Whether it is Alexander Volkov closing in on his ultimate goal of UFC heavyweight gold or Alexander Volkanovski contemplating his next bold step in weight class competition, the endorsement and analysis from a former champion highlight the fine margins that separate the best fighters in the world.
