UFC Fight Night results, highlights: Alexander Volkov makes light work of Alistair Overeem with TKO

Volkov pieced up Overeem in two rounds to move one step closer to a title shot in Las Vegas

When Alexander Volkov stepped into the Octagon to face Alistair Overeem in the main event of Saturday's UFC Fight Night card, he needed to do two things to insert his name into the heavyweight title picture. Volkov needed to win, and he needed to look impressive. He checked off both of those boxes by dominating Overeem from the opening bell before finishing the fight with a TKO in the second round of their fight at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

Volkov was quick to establish his gameplan, landing heavy leg kicks and straight punches that utilized his reach advantage and put Overeem on his heels quickly. Overeem was forced to resort to looking for single power strikes to try to stay competitive, but Volkov remained measured in his approach, putting together combinations and working his punches around the high guard of the former Strikeforce champion.

By the end of the opening round, Overeem's face was showing the effects of Volkov's work in the form of lacerations and a bloody nose. 

"I was feeling like I could finish him in maybe the second or third round," Volkov said after his victory. "I saw his face and he had lots of cuts and blood."

Overeem's offensive output dropped in the second round, as he seemed increasingly wary of exchanging punches with Volkov. That only served to worsen Overeem's problems as Volkov had little reason to not let his hands go and he continued to bludgeon Overeem with pinpoint shots before a jab followed by a left hook around Overeem's gloves sent the Dutchman crashing to the canvas. Volkov stepped forward, ready to unload more strikes as Overeem tried to scramble away on his hands and knees, but the fight was called off, awarding Volkov the TKO victory at the 2:06 mark of Round 2.

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Volkov is now on a two-fight winning streak after a disappointing showing and decision loss to Curtis Blaydes this past June. In a division needing fresh title contenders, Volkov has made a strong case for a title shot in the near future.

"For sure, I want to fight for the belt," Volkov said. "But we'll see. We have some good fights in the future at heavyweight. We'll see how they finish and what will be my place, but I surely want a title shot."

CBS Sports was with you the entire way on Saturday bringing you all the results and highlights from the UFC Fight Night card. 

UFC Fight Night card and results

• Alexander Volkov def. Alistair Overeem via second-round knockout (punch)
• Cory Sandhagen def. Frankie Edgar via first-round knockout (flying knee)
• Clay Guida def. Michael Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Alexandre Pantoja def. Manel Kape via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Beneil Dariush def. Diego Ferreira via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Danilo Marques def. Mike Rodriguez via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:53 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Big left hand from Volkov and Overeem falls to the canvas and this one is all over. Complete dominance from Volkov in this one. Official result: Alexander Volkov def. Alistair Overeem via TKO (punches), Round 2.

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:52 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Overeem lunched in with a right hand but Volkov wobbled him with a two punch combination before landing a right and Overeem was badly wobbled.

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:51 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Alistair Overeem vs. Alexander Volkov -- Round 2: Volkov opens up with a few hard straight punches, popping Overeem hard with the jab and bloodying the nose and face. Overeem is looking increasingly lost in this fight.

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:50 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Volkov with a big combination ending with a knee to the head and Overeem took it well. Volkov continued to pressure Overeem against the cage, unloading combinations as Overeem shells up and just tries to defend the incoming fire before the end of the round. Unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Volkov

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:48 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Overeem landed a lead right uppercut and a body kick to back off Volkov. They two mixed it up inside and Overeem went down, possibly due to a slip, but Volkov landed a flurry of strikes on the ground before Overeem got back to his feet.

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:47 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Volkov again hit the leg kick and pushed Overeem back before Overeem landed a big left hand. Overeem tried to follow a punch in to grab a clinch but Volkov shoved him off. Overeem landed another good left hand though, reddening the forehead of Volkov.

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:46 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Alistair Overeem vs. Alexander Volkov -- Round 1: Volkov hit a heavy leg kick in the opening seconds and then threw a flurry of punches as Overeem covered up. Volkov went right back to the leg kick, using his length to keep Overeem at distance.

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:33 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

After Sandhagen's spectacular knockout, it's main event time. Five rounds in the heavyweight division between Alexander Volkov and Alistair Overeem.

[Feb 6, 2021 at 10:22 pm ET · Brent Brookhouse]

Official result: Cory Sandhagen def. Clay Guida via KO (knee) - Round 1