Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta prediction, odds, pick for UFC 328

The UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland Foremost Card is heating up as we’re back with one other prediction and pick for this upcoming bout within the Heavyweight Division. No. 2-ranked Alexander Volkov of Russia will tackle No. 4 Waldo Cortes-Acosta of the Dominican Republic in a fight with title implications. Check our UFC odds series for the Volkov-Cortes-Acosta prediction and pick.

Alexander Volkov (39-11) is 13-5 during his decade-long UFC tenure since 2016, most recently beating Jailton Almeida his last day trip. With a win over the division’s hottest rising prospect, Volkov could exact a title shot as the subsequent contender in line. He stands 6-foot-7 with an 80-inch reach.

Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-2) is a formidable 10-2 since joining the UFC roster in 2022. The DWCS product has won three-straight over Ante Delija, Shamil Gaziev, and most recently knocking out Derrick Lewis. A win here would leapfrop his rating and put him in line for a title shot soon. Cortes-Acosta stands 6-foot-4 with a 78-inch reach.

UFC 328 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC 328 Odds: Alexander Volkov-Waldo Cortes-Acosta Odds

Alexander Volkov: -148

Waldo Cortes-Acosta: +124

Over 2.5 rounds: -260

Under 2.5 rounds: +195

Why Alexander Volkov Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Jailton Almeida – S DEC
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 24 KO/TKO, 4 SUB

Alexander Volkov got here into his last fight against Jailton Almeida because the +155 underdog and ended up completely out-classing the young and dangerous prospect through three rounds. While the scorecards were split in Volkov’s favor, he landed 123 total strikes to Almeida’s 27 total strikes. Almeida still managed to secure seven of nine takedowns, but Volkov greater than held his own on the bottom and even got here up with quite a lot of reversals in getting back to his feet.

He won’t be as occupied with defending takedowns against Cortes-Acosta as he can expect a fight going down mostly, if not exclusively within the feet. While his opponent will be the more fluid boxer, Volkov has a knack for giving forward-pressing strikers issues along with his height and reach. Expect Volkov to constantly stick his jab while also keeping Cortes-Acosta guessing along with his kicking game.

Volkov has been on this spot before and he’s proven himself against rising contenders, so do not be surprised if he’s the one leading the motion throughout most of this fight. He does an excellent job of disrupting his opponent’s rhythm and it will be difficult for Cortes-Acosta to search out any significant offense off him if he’s fighting at his highest level.

Why Waldo Cortes-Acosta Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Derrick Lewis – TKO (ground-and-pound, R2)
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 9 KO/TKO, 1 SUB

Waldo Cortes-Acosta looked like one of the best version of himself against Derrick Lewis, systematically picking apart the reigning knockout king by staying patient and managing the space perfectly. Cortes-Acosta has quickly evolved into considered one of the smoothest strikers the Heavyweight Division has to supply. This can be the hardest test of his profession up to now, but a win here would definitely solidify him as an actual deal contender.

Cortes-Acosta does great work along with his 1-2 combos and if he’s capable of land, often follows things up with hooks and uppercuts in succession. He doesn’t use all of his power without delay and as an alternative hurts opponent over the course of three rounds. Once he feels the fight shifting in his favor, Cortes-Acosta is quick to complete the job with strikes excessive.

His footwork has all the time been a powerful aspect of his fighting style and he’ll need every little bit of movement in creating some space around Volkov. Cortes-Acosta has also displayed a powerful chin and is hard when feeling resistance, so don’t expect him to back down in any respect if Volkov starts landing his offense.

Final Alexander Volkov-Waldo Cortes-Acosta Prediction & Pick

This can be a really interesting fight between two of the division’s best as Alexander Volkov isn’t any stranger to putting away a rising contender. Look ahead to his striking and distance management to be they key to success as he’ll look to combine in his leg kicks as well. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, however, will look to utilize his quick boxing hands while sticking and moving around his physically imposing opponent.

I feel Volkov thrives in matchups like these and he seems to rise to the occasion against similar strikers. Nevertheless, Cortes-Acosta has been recuperating along with his ending abilities, so he could stand to catch Volkov slipping if he is not careful.

Still, Cortes-Acosta has looked like the true deal up thus far and I like his activity in a three-round environment. For our final prediction, we’ll side with the underdog to get the nod on the judges’ scorecards in a razor-thin decision.

Final Alexander Volkov-Waldo Cortes-Acosta Prediction & Pick: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+124); OVER 2.5 Rounds (-260)