Alexander Volkov vs Alexander Romanov UFC Fight Night 221 Fight Prediction & Picks: Can Romanov Submit Volkov?

UFC Fight Night 221 takes over the Theater at Virgin Hotels in Paradise, Nevada on Saturday, March 11. There’s an exciting fight card in store for MMA enthusiasts, including a massive heavyweight co-main event between Alexander Volkov and Alexander Romanov.

“If you’re going to underestimate [Volkov], you’ve got to be stupid.”

Alexandr Romanov (@KongRomanov) is coming into #UFCLasVegas stronger and more advanced ??

— UFC News (@UFCNews) March 10, 2023

Both fighters desperately need the victory to help improve their heavyweight division placement. Volkov currently sits as the No. 8 fighter in the division while Romanov is in danger of falling off the list as he sits at No. 14.

There’s a lot to consider before Jones and Gane go head-to-head — especially from a betting perspective. Fortunately, Betting News has you covered with the UFC Fight Night co-main event’s latest odds, as well as a prediction and the best bets for the fight.

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UFC Fight Night 221: Volkov vs Romanov Fight Odds (as of Friday, March 10)

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Alexander Volkov +130
• Alexander Romanov -160

Bovada Sportsbook

• Alexander Volkov +130
• Alexander Romanov -155

BetUS

• Alexander Volkov +135
• Alexander Romanov -167

BetMGM

• Alexander Volkov +125
• Alexander Romanov -150

Romanov Has Betting Edge at UFC Fight Night

Though the odds are lopsided, all four highlighted sportsbooks are in agreement that Alexander Romanov is the favorite at UFC Fight Night. His shortest odds sit at -167 on BetUS, holding an implied probability of 62.6%.

It’s hard to doubt Romanov when he’s only lost once in his career. That loss came in his most recent outing as he came up short against Marcin Tybura by majority decision.

Before that defeat, Romanov had rattled off 16 consecutive victories to begin his MMA career. He finished off 15 opponents in those victories, winning six times by knockout and another nine by submission. Needless to say, the 32-year-old Moldovan knows how to win in a variety of ways.

While he’s never held UFC gold before, Romanov is also a former EFC Heavyweight Champion. He’s shown that he can handle the pressure that comes with big fights and if he can do it again this weekend, he’ll be one step closer to holding a title again.

Romanov has a tough test in front of him in the form of Alexander Volkov.

The veteran Russian fighter has picked up some impressive victories lately. Over his last five fights, Volkov has defeated former UFC Heavyweight title challenger Alistair Overeem by TKO and even defeated Tybura by unanimous decision — something that Romanov couldn’t do.

On top of that, Volkov also picked up a first-round knockout win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik in his most recent outing. The victory also marked the 34-year-old’s 23rd career knockout finish.

Volkov also has the striking advantage, averaging 4.88 significant strikes per minute with 57% accuracy compared to Romanov’s 3.78 strikes and 50% accuracy rate. Having said that, Volkov likely can’t match his opponent’s grappling skills, so it’ll be his goal to stay on his feet throughout the fight.

UFC Fight Night 221 Betting Markets & Trends for Volkov vs Romanov

If you’re looking to bet on more than the Volkov vs Romanov moneyline this weekend, BetOnline Sportsbook has you covered with a variety of markets.

When it comes to how the fight ends, Romanov is favored to win by submission at +260 odds. As mentioned before, his grappling and mat skills are much better than what Volkov has to offer. Furthermore, Volkov has also been submitted three times in his career, so it’s clear that he’s vulnerable in that regard.

Speaking of which, Volkov’s top victory method is winning by KO/TKO at +310. While he’s piled up the knockout wins over his career, he’s only knocked out one of his last four opponents. That’s not even to mention how Romanov has never been KO’d.

If you’re seeking more value, method and combo betting might be for you. In this market, Romanov is favored to win by first-round submission at +550 odds (something he’s done seven times). Meanwhile, Volkov’s top option here is to win by KO/TKO in Round 1 at +650.

Regardless of the victor, BetOnline doesn’t expect a lengthy fight. The sportsbook favors that this Saturday’s co-main event won’t go the distance at -280 odds.

Volkov vs Romanov UFC Fight Night 221 Fight Prediction

In what should be a hard-hitting co-main event, I’m siding with Romanov on this one. He’s an absolute beast and can handle whatever Volkov throws at him. The grappling advantage also gives Romanov an advantage since I’m confident that if he can get Volkov on the mat, the fight won’t last too long.

As for the best bet, I have no issues taking Romanov outright on the moneyline (best odds sit at -150 on BetMGM). However, if you’re looking for more value, I recommend backing Romanov by submission at +260 on BetOnline.

After all, Volkov isn’t a great grappler and has already tapped out three times, including as recently as last year. All it takes is one mistake before Romanov catches him in a hold, leaving him no choice but to quit.

UFC Fight Night 221 Event Details

When is UFC Fight Night 221?

UFC Fight Night 221 will take place on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Where is UFC Fight Night 221?

UFC Fight Night 221 will take place at the Theater at Virgin Hotels in Paradise, Nevada.

What time does UFC Fight Night 221 start?

• UFC Fight Night 221 Prelims Start Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Start Time of UFC Fight Night 221’s Main Card: 6 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC Fight Night 221?

Both the preliminary and main cards are available on ESPN+.

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