In the co-main event of UFC Moscow, Greg Hardy is getting the big step up in competition many fans have been calling for. He is set to take on top-10 heavyweight, Alexander Volkov on short notice. Heading into this fight, Hardy is a +215 underdog while the Russian is a -275 favorite.
Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are happy that Hardy is taking a step up in competition but, they believe Volkov will get his hand raised.
Here’s what they had to say.
BJPENN.com Fighter Picks: Greg Hardy vs. Alexander Volkov
Edmen Shahbazyan, UFC middleweight: That is a good fight. It is a good step-up fight for Greg Hardy, being on the momentum he is on and improving every fight. Volkov is coming off the loss and I think Hardy can land and it will be lights out again for Volkov.
King Mo, Bellator light heavyweight: Volkov is a tough fight, good striking, he beat Werdum, he was beating Derrick Lewis until he got caught. He is a good fighter but so is Greg. Win or lose, Greg will learn from this fight but I think he wins and may finish Volkov.
Lyman Good, UFC welterweight: Alexander Volkov by knockout, it is too much of a step-up for Hardy.
John Salter, Bellator middleweight: I think Volkov wins by knockout. It is way too big of a step-up in competition and I don’t think Hardy is ready for it so he won’t win.
Andrew Kapel, Bellator middleweight: It is interesting, we get to see where Hardy is at. He had repeated fights where he is expected to win. This is quite a test, but I expect Volkov to piece him up and win a decision. But imagine Hardy KOs Volkov? I’d be impressed, that is the only way he wins but I think Volkov wins.
David Zawada, UFC welterweight: Volkov is very good, and with a smart game plan he will win this fight by decision. But, you never know about Hardy’s power as he may catch him. But, I think Volkov will win it.
William Knight, UFC development prospect: So, this is an all or nothing fight for Hardy. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Not only is he coming off the inhaler [incident], but the fact that he took this fight on short notice, only shows he is a tough guy. Regardless of what you think of him, you have to give the man respect. But, I think Volkov will probably win as he is the better fighter.
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Fighters picking Greg Hardy: Edmen Shahbazyan, Muhammed Lawal
Fighters picking Alexander Volkov: Lyman Good, John Salter, Andrew Kapel, David Zawada, William Knight
Who do you think will win the fight between Greg Hardy vs. Alexander Volkov? Let us know in the comment section.
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 11/7/2019.