UFC Fight Night 207: Alexander Volkov TKOs Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the first round

LAS VEGAS — With UFC heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik both looking to recover from recent losses, it was Russia’s “Drago” who was able to claim the victory.

The two met in Saturday’s headlining UFC Fight Night 207 event, which was broadcast live on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex.

The two engaged quickly at the start, trading low kicks at close range for the first few seconds. As the round progressed, however, it was Volkov (35-10 MMA, 9-4 UFC) who maintained his volume with punches and kicks from range while Rozenstruik (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) was patient for one counterpossibility. When he did, he paid the price.

After Rozenstruik fell short with a barrage of powerful hooks, Volkov responded with a right hand that wobbled his opponent. While Rozenstruik returned to the cage, Volkov then reeled off a barrage of 11 unanswered punches. Although they didn’t all land cleanly, Rozenstruik took damage to the cage and when he went down to one knee referee Herb Dean swooped in to end the fight at the 2:12 mark of the opening round.

Rozenstruik protested the stoppage, but Volkov didn’t seem to slow down his attacks.