Alexander Volkov decisions Waldo Cortes-Acosta in UFC 328 heavyweight clash

Heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Waldo Cortes-Acosta collided on Saturday's UFC 328 main card.

Volkov entered the octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey ranked No. 2 in the division and having won five of his last six bouts. He was coming off a win over Jailton Almeida and hoping to build on the momentum.

Cortes-Acosta made the walk to the octagon riding a three-fight winning streak and having won eight of his last nine fights. A win for either fighter would put them on a path to a title shot.

Volkov landed first with leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta walked forward and Volkov kept meeting him with leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta answered back with a leg kick. He pressed forward as Volkov circled on the outside. Cortes-Acosta rushed forward with a flurry but Volkov moved away. Volkov continued to deliver leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta had difficulty getting inside. he connected with a jab. Cortes-Acosta exploded forward with a left hand that landed. He seemed to have found his range in the final minute of the round. Cortes-Acosta landed a right hand. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Volkov but there was a momentum change at the end of the frame.

They met in the middle and Volkov delivered a kick to the body. Cortes-Acosta responded with a right hand. Volkov wasn't circling as much in the second round. Cortes-Acosta landed another right hand. Volkov continued to deliver leg kicks. They exchanged leg kicks and Volkov stepped into the pocket with a combination. Cortes-Acosta pressed forward and connected with a hard right hand. Volkov landed a counter left hand that hurt Cortes-Acosta. He moved in with a combination but Cortes-Acosta covered and circled free. Volkov began landing more often and mixing in body kicks. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Volkov.

Cortes-Acosta came out in the final frame the same as the first two, pressing forward. Volkov circled and delivered a kick to the body. Cortes-Acosta connected with a combination and then accidentally poked Volkov in the eye. The fight was restarted seconds later. Corttex-Acosta landed a combination when the fight restarted. He connected with a right hand. Volkov absorbed it. They exchanged jabs. Volkov began bleeding from the nose. Volkov looked to have slowed. Cortes-Acosta clinched with two minutes remaining. They separated and Volkov went to the body with a kick. Cortes-Acosta landed a stiff jab. Volkov responded with one of his own. Volkov continued to deliver leg kicks. They exchanged and Cortes-Acosta conceded with a right hand. Cortes-Acosta pressed forward with punches. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Cortes-Acosta.