What's new at Ludus Martial Arts

We’re so proud of our team! Find out how they’ve been doing, as well as what else has been going on at our gym lately.

UFC Fight Night 115’s Alexander Volkov credits Russian media for making Stefan Struve fight


Filed under: News, UFC

To hear Alexander Volkov tell it, the Russian media is responsible for his UFC Fight Night 115 headliner with Stefan Struve – not that he was opposed.

“The idea actually came from the UFC matchmakers, from Sean Shelby,” Volkov told MMAjunkie of his UFC Fight Pass-streamed meeting Saturday with “Skyscraper” at Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands. “When (the) media asked who would be my next opponent, I said probably Struve.

“Struve saw this interview and started pursuing it very aggressively. In Russia, when someone issues a challenge in that way, then let’s do it!”

Volkov (28-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC), a former Bellator heavyweight champ, might’ve appeared on Struve’s radar when he defeated Roy Nelson to pick up his second straight win. Struve (28-8 MMA, 12-6 UFC) is also on a two-fight win streak, putting the winner in good position for a marquee matchup.

“It’s a fight in Europe, in Holland, against a Dutch fighter,” Volkov said. “He’s quite famous over (here). He has a win over champion Stipe Miocic. It will help to build my brand as a fighter and to be more famous.”

Fame never hurts if you’re looking for a title shot, and Volkov could use a boost despite being two places above Struve at No. 13 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA heavyweight rankings. But Volkov also looks forward to the challenge of fighting the UFC veteran.

“I think he’s a well rounded fighter. Most of his submission wins were due to the mistakes of his opponents, which gave him opportunities,” Volkov said of Struve. “It’s not every day you fight someone like him. I’m ready for him. I won’t let him do this to me.

“I think he’s more well rounded than just a grappler. I’m not afraid. I’m ready to face him on the feet or on the ground. It doesn’t matter to me.”

With Struve fighting on home soil, Volkov also gets to play spoiler.

“Of course the pressure is all on him,” Volkov said. “He’s fighting in front of his crowd – his family, his friends. Everyone will be there. He will be thinking he can’t let them down. I personally prefer to fight on enemy territory. I love when the crowd boos me. I’m used to it.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 115, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.


Filed under: News, UFC

UFC free fight: Charles Oliveira rallies to light up Michael Chandler for first title win

Charles Oliveira proved he had championship mettle when he battled through some early adversity against Michael Chandler. Oliveira faced Chandler for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 262 in May 2021. It took “Do Bronx” 28 octagon appearances to earn his first-career title shot. Round...

Javier Mendez disagrees with Daniel Cormier’s claim that Islam Makhachev more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov

For Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev is more skilled than Khabib Nurmagomedov but not more dangerous. Daniel Cormier, who also trained under Mendez at American Kickboxing Academy, said UFC lightweight champion Makhachev is even more dangerous than former champ Nurmagomedov was during his prime. Mendez heavily disagrees. “OK, he’s more...

come and try a ludus mma class free!

We want to make sure that Ludus MMA is the right fit for you before asking you to commit to a membership.
That’s why we’d like to offer you a FREE ONE-DAY PASS to our gym.

With your FREE PASS, you can:

  • Try as many classes as you’d like,
  • Explore the facility
  • Talk to our coaches one-on-one about what you can expect as a member

© Copyright 2024 - Ludus Martial Arts - 730 Beach Blvd, Unit 105, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

(904) 374-4186 / ludusmartialarts@gmail.com