UFC 328: Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Prediction for Today, 05/09/26

The third fight on the Main Card at UFC 328 will see Alexander Volkov take on Waldo Cortes-Acosta. This will be a fight in the UFC Heavyweight division. Volkov enters this fight with an MMA record of 39-11 and 13-5 in the UFC. He is averaging 4.78 strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 57%. Volkov absorbs 2.86 strikes and has a striking defense of 53%. His grappling is only decent, averaging 0.57 takedowns every 15 minutes. He has a takedown accuracy of 66% and a takedown defense of 68%.

Cortes-Acosta enters this fight with an MMA record of 16-2 and 10-2 in the UFC. He averages 5.55 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 48%. Cortes-Acosta absorbs 3.53 strikes and has a striking defense of 55%. His grappling is decent at best, averaging 0.35 takedowns every 15 minutes. He has a takedown accuracy of 50% and a takedown defense of 72%.

Volkov is the significant favorite in this fight; however, Cortes-Acosta looks to be the best betting option. Cortes-Acosta is 8-1 over his last 9 UFC fights, while Volkov is 6-3 over the same stretch. Further, Cortes-Acosta has the advantage in striking volume and has won by KO/TKO in three consecutive UFC fights. Given this, backing Cortes-Acosta to win will be our best bet.