The 38-year-old Volkov has demonstrated significant momentum in the heavyweight division, securing seven victories in his last eight appearances. His recent win over Kuniev extended his current winning streak to three fights, further solidifying his position as a top contender within the promotion.

In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Cormier noted that Volkov has effectively re-established his credentials for a title opportunity. He suggested that the Russian fighter has done enough to warrant a shot at the gold, provided certain external factors do not interfere with the division's hierarchy.

Cormier stated, "Volkov got a big victory. I thought Volkov cemented himself as the No. 1 contender as long as Tom Aspinall is not right back after the title fight in November. Or unless Alex Pereira has an insane knockout of Sergei Pavlovich."

While Cormier believes Volkov is deserving, he acknowledged that the path to a title fight remains complicated by other high-profile contenders. Former champion Tom Aspinall, who vacated the belt earlier this year, is considered a primary candidate for a title opportunity if he is medically cleared for a return.

Additionally, the outcome of the upcoming UFC 335 bout between Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich could influence the UFC's decision-making process. A high-profile performance from Pereira could potentially alter the current trajectory for the heavyweight title picture.

Volkov has been increasingly vocal about his desire for a championship bout. During the build-up to UFC 333, he famously engaged in a public exchange with UFC CEO Dana White, questioning what further steps were required to secure a title fight.

The heavyweight division is currently focused on the upcoming UFC 334 main event, where champion Ciryl Gane is scheduled to defend his title against challenger Josh Hokit. Volkov has previously expressed frustration that he was not selected for this specific matchup.

Despite his disappointment regarding the UFC 334 booking, Volkov’s performance at UFC 333 has been widely praised for its aggression and technical execution. Cormier noted that while a finish would have been ideal, the quality of Volkov's performance was sufficient to make a strong case.

Volkov’s professional record now stands at 41 wins and 11 losses. His only defeat in the last two years came in a controversial split decision against Ciryl Gane at UFC 310 in December 2024, a result that continues to be a point of discussion among fans and analysts.

The UFC 333 event, held at the Etihad Arena in Dubai, also featured a successful featherweight title defense by Alexander Volkanovski, who defeated Movsar Evloev. The card was considered a significant night for several established fighters looking to cement their legacies.

As the division awaits the outcome of UFC 334, the pressure on the promotion to define the next challenger remains high. Volkov’s recent form and his vocal advocacy for a title shot have ensured that he remains a central figure in the heavyweight conversation.

The UFC has not yet confirmed the next steps for the heavyweight division beyond the scheduled title bout in November. Whether Volkov’s recent victory will be enough to bypass other potential challengers remains a subject of speculation within the MMA community.

Cormier’s support provides a significant boost to Volkov’s campaign, given the commentator's influence and deep knowledge of the division. For now, the veteran heavyweight continues to wait for official confirmation regarding his next assignment.

Volkov’s recent efforts to connect with an international audience have also raised his profile. By adopting a more outspoken persona, he has successfully generated increased interest in his career trajectory and his pursuit of the ultimate prize in the sport.

The heavyweight landscape is currently in a state of flux, with multiple contenders vying for attention. Volkov’s consistency over his last 20 octagon appearances serves as a testament to his longevity and his ability to remain competitive at the highest level.

As the promotion looks toward the final months of 2026, the heavyweight division is expected to see significant movement. The results of the upcoming title fights will ultimately dictate the path for contenders like Volkov, who remain hungry for a championship opportunity.

The UFC continues to evaluate its options, balancing the merit of recent performances against the commercial appeal of potential matchups. Volkov’s case rests on his recent win streak and his ability to consistently perform against top-tier opposition.

With the dust settled on UFC 333, the focus now shifts to the next major events. Volkov remains in a position of strength, waiting to see if his persistence will finally be rewarded with the title fight he has been pursuing.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the UFC leadership. Volkov has made his intentions clear, and with the backing of respected figures like Cormier, his claim to a title shot has never been more prominent.

Itauma suffered his first loss in August at the O2 Arena in London, where he was defeated by the experienced Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic. The result denied the young Briton the chance to become the youngest heavyweight world champion since 1986.

Prior to the championship bout, Itauma had maintained an unblemished record of 14 victories, with an impressive 12 of those wins coming by way of stoppage. His rapid rise had established him as one of the most promising talents in the division.

Speaking in an interview with BBC South East and Radio Kent, Itauma reflected on the emotional toll of the defeat. He admitted that while the experience was painful, he is choosing to focus on the lessons learned from the high-stakes environment.

"I always say I'd rather be third than second because if you're third you know you couldn't be number one," Itauma said. "When you're second you know you could have been number one. So that's exactly how I feel. I'm just gutted."

Despite the disappointment, the heavyweight prospect remains optimistic about his future prospects. At only 21 years old and with 15 professional fights now behind him, he believes he has sufficient time to refine his craft and return to the top level.

The fight against Hrgovic provided a significant test for the young boxer. Although Itauma managed to exert control for large portions of the contest and even scored a knockdown in the second round, his high-output style eventually led to fatigue.

Hrgovic, a 34-year-old Olympic bronze medallist, entered the bout with a formidable record of 20 wins and only one defeat. Following the victory, the Croatian praised his opponent's natural ability while acknowledging the mental challenge of such a high-profile loss.

"It was a big shock for him, a big humiliation, so maybe it's the end of his career if he's not mentally tough," Hrgovic remarked. "If he recovers from this loss, mentally, it will be hard for anyone to ever beat him again."

Itauma views the loss as an essential developmental milestone that could not have been replicated in training or sparring. He maintains that the experience of facing elite-level pressure was a necessary step in his evolution as a professional athlete.

"It taught me a lot. I walked away from the fight knowing there was something I learnt there that I couldn't get from sparring, reading books or what the coach would be able to tell me," he explained.

Born in Slovakia to a Slovakian mother and Nigerian father, Itauma moved to Kent as a child. He has frequently spoken about his pride in his Chatham upbringing and the encouragement he has received from his local community throughout his career.

The boxer recounted a recent encounter at his local gym where a fan expressed admiration for his journey. He noted that such interactions reinforce his commitment to the sport and his desire to represent his roots on the world stage.

Looking ahead, Itauma has set a clear target for his next championship challenge. He stated that he is "100%" confident that he will be in a position to compete for another world title by the year 2027.

The fighter remains steadfast in his identity and professional goals. He emphasised that a single defeat does not diminish his long-term ambitions or his belief in his own capabilities within the competitive heavyweight landscape.

"My identity as a boxer is still deeply rooted in me. A loss is not going to change that," Itauma added. "I lost a boxing fight, that's it. Even though I didn't get the W, I'm proud of my performance."

The heavyweight division continues to be a focal point for boxing fans, with various promoters looking toward potential unification bouts in the coming years. Itauma remains a key figure in the conversation surrounding the future of the weight class.

As he prepares for his next steps, Itauma is focused on maintaining the intensity that brought him to the brink of a world title. His team is expected to outline his return to the ring in the coming months.

Promoter Frank Warren has recently discussed the broader landscape of the heavyweight division, including plans for potential unification bouts in 2027. These developments suggest a busy period ahead for the sport's premier weight class, with Itauma aiming to feature.

Itauma's resilience is being tested as he navigates the aftermath of his first professional setback. However, his public commitment to his craft suggests he is already looking past the disappointment of August toward future championship opportunities.