Alexander Volkanovski: Fighting at UFC 294 May Have Been ‘Silly’
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski took a massive risk at UFC 294 as he stepped in on short notice to rematch UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski did not get the outcome he was searching for, as he was knocked out with a head kick in the first round. Now, he is questioning his decision to take the bout altogether.
Volkanovski expressed his opinion on the fight in the UFC 294 post-fight press conference. All quotes are via The Score.
“Obviously, I’m a big believer in preparation and stuff like that,” Volkanovski said at the postfight press conference, according to MMA Fighting. “I back myself. So that’s the decision I made. I could’ve made better decisions. (Makhachev is) not somebody you should be taking a short-notice (fight) with.”
Quote via The Score
Makhachev is one of the toughest opponents that Volkanovski has fought throughout his career. In their first bout, the fight was highly competitive, but Makhachev won a decision. Without the required preparation, Volkanovski was unable to replicate his success.
That is not to discredit Makhachev. Volkanovski could beat a good portion of the UFC featherweights and lightweights on short notice. Makhachev’s skills are the reason that Volkanovski’s risk did not pay off.
Volkanovski fought off claims that he was only fighting for money while revealing his motivation to take the fight revolved around the mental health struggles he faced because of inactivity.
“A lot of people will say it’s for the money and all that. But it was much more than that,” Volkanovski said. “It is hard. It really is hard for athletes. I never thought I would struggle with it, but for some reason, when I wasn’t fighting or in camp, I was just doing my head in. … I don’t know how. Everything’s fine. I got a beautiful family. I don’t know. I think you just need to keep busy.
“Then this fight came up. I’m like, ‘Hey, it’s meant to be, let’s do it.’ I thought that was what it was. But maybe it was just a silly decision under those circumstances – again, the decisions you don’t want to make against someone like Islam.”
Quote via The Score
Despite the loss, Volkanovski is looking to use it as a lesson, as he prepares to move back down to the featherweight division.
“Maybe this happened and it gives me a kick up the ass for being silly,” Volkanovski said. “Maybe it won’t happen again now. Maybe that’s what it was. Maybe this will kick me back into gear, get back in there, and go back to the featherweight division, and kick ass there.”
Quote via The Score
It is unlikely that Volkanovski will be given another opportunity to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title. Makhachev currently holds two wins over Volkanovski and plenty of high-profile lightweights will be calling for a fight against the champion.
Volkanovski remains the UFC featherweight champion and will look to defend that title. The division currently has an established No. 1 contender in Ilia Topuria, who will challenge Volkanovski for the belt.
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