Alexander Volkov isn't buying the hype surrounding Alex Pereira's move to heavyweight. The seasoned Russian contender, known for his towering frame and technical striking, believes "Poatan" may be in over his head when he steps up to face Ciryl Gane.

Volkov, a former Bellator champion and longtime UFC heavyweight staple, shared his thoughts ahead of his own fight this weekend. "Honestly, Ciryl is more favorite right now," Volkov said. "He has really great footwork."

Pereira, the two-division champion who has electrified the sport with his knockout power, makes his heavyweight debut on June 14 at UFC Freedom Fights 250. He'll challenge Gane for the interim title while champion Tom Aspinall recovers from an eye injury. But Volkov sees a stylistic nightmare for the Brazilian.

"I respect Alex Pereira and his power, but I don't know how he will show up in the heavyweight division," Volkov explained. "Pereira needs to pressure the guy and work on counterattacks, and Ciryl Gane doesn't give him the opportunity. He just punches and kicks and moves a lot. It's a hard thing for Alex Pereira to solve in the fight. I'm not sure he can do this."

Volkov knows Gane's style firsthand. The two met in December 2024, and Volkov lost a controversial split decision—one that many, including UFC CEO Dana White, believed he won. That defeat remains the only blemish on Volkov's record in recent years. He's gone 5-1 in his past six fights dating back to 2022.

This Saturday, Volkov returns to action on the main card of UFC 328 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. He faces rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta, who brings a 17-2 record into the octagon. It's a pivotal matchup for Volkov, who could have easily been fighting for gold himself.

Seeing Gane in that title slot stings, but Volkov is keeping his focus. "I'm trying to stay calm. I can't let it affect me," he said. "I can't do anything outside of things that depend on me. I don't have any emotion on things."

For fans watching Pereira's heavyweight journey, Volkov's warning is clear: power alone won't solve the puzzle that Gane presents. And if anyone knows that puzzle, it's the man who nearly solved it himself.