🥊 UFC 321 is shaping up to have major implications for the heavyweight division — and former two-division champ Henry Cejudo believes Saturday’s co-main card clash between Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will officially decide the next title challenger.
With Tom Aspinall defending his undisputed belt against Ciryl Gane in the main event, all eyes are also on the heavyweight bout beneath it — one that Cejudo and Kamaru Usman agree is effectively a No. 1 contender fight.
“Volkov and Almeida is the No. 1 contender fight,” Cejudo said on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast. “Winner fights for the title next.”
A new era for heavyweights 🏆
The UFC’s heavyweight division has seen massive turnover in the past two years. Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic have retired, Francis Ngannou left for PFL, and several other big names are either inactive or on the decline.
That vacuum leaves room for new stars — and both Volkov and Almeida are ready to grab the opportunity.
Volkov, entering his 50th professional fight, was close to a title shot before a controversial split-decision loss to Gane. Almeida, meanwhile, has won eight of his past nine, finishing most opponents in the first round.
Cejudo believes Volkov’s experience and size could be the difference.
“It always comes down to power,” Cejudo explained. “Volkov’s been around, he’s fought tougher guys, and if he uses his reach and size, I think he wins by decision.”
Usman picks Almeida to grind it out 💪
While Cejudo leaned toward Volkov, Kamaru Usman backed Jailton Almeida, citing his relentless ground pressure.
“I’m going with Almeida,” Usman said. “He’s got that nonstop pursuit — once he gets you down, you’re either getting submitted or smashed. Volkov’s a great striker, but I don’t see that one-punch power that scares Almeida.”
Usman added that the division is undergoing a major “refurbishing,” as he put it — a new generation replacing the old guard.
“There’s no Jon Jones, no Ngannou, no Stipe, no Cormier — this is a rebuild,” Usman said. “I’m excited to see which guy steps up next for the title.”
What’s next for the winner? 🔥
Whether it’s Volkov or Almeida, Cejudo is confident the UFC 321 winner will get the call to challenge the victor of Aspinall vs. Gane — potentially setting up an early 2026 showdown for the championship.
“Heavyweight needs new blood,” Cejudo said. “And that’s exactly what this fight is giving us.”
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