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Volkov Smart Moneyline Bet to Upset Local KO King Tuivasa

The UFC 293 card is packed with top fights, including Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov, which is the co-main event on the UFC lines.

UFC betting odds have Volkov at -250 to beat the Australian, who loves scoring knockout wins in front of his home fans.

A shoey awaits the winner, but bettors are focused on the odds at the sportsbook, which reflect value.

Tuivasa Eyes KO

Tuivasa is a knockout artist and it’s all or nothing for the Australian on Saturday.

Sport betting odds have Tuivasa at +200 to win, which is a big price for someone who only needs to land one punch. However, he hasn’t had much success recently.

His most recent win came against Derrick Lewis in 2022, but he has since suffered consecutive knockout losses.

He lost in the third round against Ciryl Gane before getting knocked out in 54 seconds against Sergei Pavlovich in a disappointing performance.

Pavlovich is an 18-1 fighter, so a little better than Volkov, who has 10 losses on his record, which could be the opening Tuivasa needed.

Rival fighter Renato Moicano believes Tuivasa is the less committed fighter.

“Tai Tuivasa, crazy striker. He has knockout power. But, he’s a little bit slow. He doesn’t have a really, really, explosive style,” Moicano said. “On the other hand, we have Volkov. Volkov is taller, good striker, knows how to keep the range… Very good fighter. I have Alexander Volkov winning the fight.”

Volkov Back to His Best

As UFC odds suggest, Volkov could prove too good for Tuivasa.

The 34-year-old Russian is having a career resurgence following wins over Alexander Romanov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, who are difficult opponents.

The -250 favorite has always been tough to beat, but after losing to Tom Aspinall by submission last year, it looked as though his heavyweight title ambitions could be over.

However, he is back to his best, and Tuivasa is the perfect opponent. Volkov towers over the Australian, and he can use that height and reach advantage to stay on the outside of Tuivasa, who likes to close the distance.

If Volkov fights smart, he’ll tire Tuivasa out and land the knockout blow late in the first or second round.

“I’m almost in my best shape. I’m sharp, I’m feeling really good,” Volkov said. “As a fighter, he (Tuivasa) is dangerous. He has really hard punches. (But) I have much more against him… I’m looking for an early finish in the fight, maybe first or second round.”

Las Vegas UFC odds could take money for Volkov, so his odds could shorten on fight night.

Tuivasa vs Volkov Head-to-Head

This is the first meeting between Tuivasa and Volkov.

Tuivasa vs Volkov Fight Information

  • Fight: Tai Tuivasa (15-5) vs. Alexander Volkov (36-10)
  • Location: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia
  • Day/Time: Saturday, August 26, 11:25 p.m. ET
  • Tuivasa vs Volkov Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

Tuivasa vs Volkov Betting Lines

Volkov Sportsbook’s Favorite for a Reason

Home crowd advantage can play a part, but Volkov is fighting too well to ignore.

He is fighting well this year, and we would have taken shorter odds for him to win, so include him in UFC parlays.

Because Tuivasa comes out swinging, Volkov could end it in the first round, and there might not be much time to lock in UFC live betting odds.

Under 1½ rounds pays -110, which is worth including.

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