Australia’s UFC superstar Alexander Volkanovski has opened up to Main Event on his incredible fight with fellow champion Islam Makhachev, watching back the footage from UFC 284 while breaking down his experience of the five-round epic.
Featherweight king Volkanovski was handed just the second defeat of his career to Makhachev, the lightweight champ, in a tough decision loss.
Now, speaking to Main Event as he re-watched the thrilling clash, Volkanovski revealed he was surprised in the early stages by his opponent’s physicality.
The Aussie said of the first round: “I’m even saying to my corner … ‘he’s not that strong!’”
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
UFC 290 | SUN JULY 9: It’s an Aussie Takeover in Vegas for one of biggest fights of the year. UFC Champ Alex Volkanovski takes on Yair Rodriguez and fan favourite Rob Whittaker returns to the Octagon. ORDER ON MAIN EVENT ON KAYO SPORTS >
“He’s not that strong!” – Volk on Islam | 01:48
READ MORE
‘Just a scratch’: Mystery over Volk training mishap as Aussies arrive for Vegas UFC ‘takeover’
Volkanovski was repeatedly taken down and controlled on the ground by his opponent – a standout wrestler – but Makhachev never turned the dominant positions into a submission.
Speaking of one first-round moment when Makhachev had the Australian’s back and was attempting a choke, Volkanovski said: “I’ve been in these positions a lot … Yeah that can obviously be uncomfortable and hurt, but I know that’s not putting me to sleep so I’m not going to panic. I don’t care how much it hurts! As long as I’m awake and I’m still going, we all good.”
“I’m not going to take a backwards step” | 00:49
Volkanovski also revealed a mid-bout sledging session when the Aussie was again being controlled on the ground.
“That’s when I said: ‘Come on mate, you said you were going to finish me! … You’re not even trying to submit me. Try and do something!
“‘You’re just going to hang on, hide your face – do something!’”
The Australian called his actions in the moment were a response to “a bit of frustration.”
“We just want to put on a good show for the fans,” he said.
What triggered Volk’s tempo change? | 01:40
Volkanovski this weekend headlines UFC 294 in Las Vegas, where he will attempt to defend his featherweight throne against Yair Rodriguez.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
Makhachev v Volkanovski Fight Highlights | 03:04