UFC Moscow live blog: Alexander Volkov vs. Greg Hardy

This is the UFC Moscow live blog for Alexander Volkov vs. Greg Hardy, the heavyweight co-headliner for Saturday’s fight card at CSKA Arena in Moscow, Russia.

Volkov is 13 months removed from a brutal knockout loss to Derrick Lewis at UFC 229 that snapped a six-fight winning streak. Hardy is a short-notice replacement for ex-champ Junior Dos Santos, who withdrew due to an infection. He returns to the cage after a controversial no contest less than one month ago at UFC on ESPN 6.

Check out the UFC Moscow live blog below.

Round 1: The third man in the cage for this bout is Leon Roberts. Hardy coming out fast, Volkov countering with the jab. Kick to the body by Volkov, now it’s Hardy answering with a straight left. Volkov looks wary of Hardy’s power. He stuffs a Hardy takedown, Hardy pushing him against the cage now. They reset in the center. The pace slows and Volkov is patiently probing from range, he connects with a 1-2. Hardy backs Volkov up with his jab. Neither man able to land much more than a jab with two minutes remaining. Volkov connecting more, though he’s not throwing anything heavy. Hardy with a nice left hook. Volkov lands a glancing teep.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkov.

Round 2: Hardy circling as Volkov tentatively approaches. 1-2 body kick combo by Volkov. Hardy lands with an overhand right off of a takedown attempt. Volkov looks content to score points with kicks to the leg and body. Volkov is getting his jab timing down and Hardy catches nothing but air with a wild swing. Hardy goes back to his jab now, targeting Volkov’s body. Hardy eats a straight left but walks through it and lands an overhand right. Front kicks from Volkov are keeping Hardy at bay. Hardy can’t get in without taking a kick to the body. Volkov is sniping away at Hardy now.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkov. Overall, 20-18 Volkov.

Round 3: Hardy comes out looking like he knows he’s down. He’s pumping his jab and finding some success with it. Volkov starts firing his jab to re-establish the distance. He’s kept the same pace and rhythm throughout almost the entire fight. Left hook lands clean for Volkov. Outside leg kick is starting to take its toll on Hardy. Volkov lands a high kick and Hardy answers with a jab. Volkov picking the pace up a little, going back to the body kicks. Hardy not scoring much outside of the occasional jab. Another high kick catches Hardy off-balance, but he seems okay. Straight right by Volkov, Hardy can’t find an opening to land a big shot. Volkov with a good jab to close out the fight.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Volkov. Overall, 30-27 Volkov.

Official result: Alexander Volkov def. Greg Hardy via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)