Durability: Manuwa finished 3× on record
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a volume gap (4.8 vs 3.6 strikes per minute); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Supporting evidenceExperience: 6 vs 1 five-round fights
| Attribute | Volkov | Werdum |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 29 | 40 |
| Height | 6′7″ | 6′4″ |
| Reach | 80″ | 77″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Rank | #2 Heavyweight | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Werdum has 6 archived five-round fights to Volkov’s 1; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors WerdumVolkov holds a 3-inch reach edge (80" to 77"); Werdum has to cross distance to land.
Favors VolkovVolkov lands 4.8 significant strikes per minute to Werdum’s 3.6: a real volume gap.
Favors VolkovWho sets the range in round one: Volkov holds the longer reach, so early success for the shorter fighter usually requires feints and fast entries.
The middle rounds belong to whoever sets the pace: Volkov averages 4.8 landed per minute to Werdum at 3.6, so Werdum needs the counters to land clean (52% accuracy on record).
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
