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.

Speaking on his 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast alongside Kamaru Usman, Cejudo suggested that Pereira has benefited from favourable matchmaking throughout his UFC tenure. He argued that the Brazilian fighter has frequently bypassed traditional contenders to secure high-profile bouts.

Pereira, who holds a professional record of 13-4, is currently looking to bounce back following his TKO loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June. That defeat, which occurred during his heavyweight debut, remains a point of contention for the fighter.

Following the loss to Gane, Pereira expressed frustration regarding the officiating, specifically citing illegal blows to the back of the head. He also voiced dissatisfaction with the promotion's decision to book Josh Hokit against Gane for the upcoming heavyweight title clash.

Cejudo acknowledged that some of Pereira's complaints regarding the officiating in his previous fight may have merit. However, he maintained that the trajectory of the fight suggested Gane was in control before the stoppage occurred.

The former dual-division champion emphasised that Pereira needs to secure multiple victories against top-tier opponents to justify a return to the title picture. He noted that several other contenders are currently waiting for their own opportunities.

Pereira is scheduled to face Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round co-main event at UFC 335. The event is set to take place on 12 December at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, serving as a critical test for both athletes.

Pavlovich, holding a record of 20-3, represents a significant challenge for Pereira as he seeks to establish himself as a legitimate force in the heavyweight division. The outcome of this fight will likely dictate the next steps for both men.

Since joining the UFC, Pereira has moved rapidly through the ranks, capturing titles in lower weight classes before moving up to heavyweight. This rapid ascent has drawn both admiration and criticism from peers within the sport.

Cejudo’s critique reflects a broader debate within the MMA community regarding the balance between star power and traditional meritocracy in title contention. The UFC continues to navigate these dynamics as it builds its upcoming event schedule.

As Pereira prepares for his December showdown, the pressure remains on him to deliver a performance that silences his critics. A victory over a seasoned heavyweight like Pavlovich would be a significant step toward validating his status in the new weight class.

Meanwhile, the heavyweight division remains active, with Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit set to compete for the undisputed title at UFC 334 in November. The results of these upcoming bouts will clarify the landscape for the remainder of the year.

The UFC 335 card, headlined by other major matchups, remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike. As the year draws to a close, the heavyweight division is expected to see significant movement in the official rankings.

Pereira’s camp has yet to issue a formal response to Cejudo’s remarks, focusing instead on the upcoming training camp. The fighter remains determined to make history by securing success in his new division.

The ongoing discourse surrounding Pereira highlights the high stakes involved in the heavyweight division. With several contenders vying for position, the path to the championship remains as competitive as ever.

Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how Pereira adapts to the challenges of the heavyweight division. His performance on 12 December will be a defining moment in his pursuit of further UFC accolades.

The sport continues to evolve, with fighters like Pereira constantly testing their limits. The upcoming months will provide clarity on whether he can successfully transition into a long-term heavyweight contender.

As the UFC prepares for its final events of 2026, the focus remains on the quality of matchups and the integrity of the rankings. The competition among the elite heavyweights continues to drive interest in the sport.

Cejudo’s perspective serves as a reminder of the rigorous standards expected of those competing at the highest level. Whether Pereira can meet these expectations remains one of the most compelling narratives in MMA.

With the fight date approaching, the anticipation for UFC 335 continues to build. The clash between Pereira and Pavlovich promises to be a pivotal encounter for the future of the heavyweight division.