Alexander Volkanovski did not emerge victorious from UFC 294, but he received unwavering support upon his return to Australia.
When Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) landed back in his home country, he was welcomed with open arms by his family and friends, who performed a traditional haka. There were heartfelt greetings, presents, and cheers for Volkanovski.
“That was a surprise. I had no idea,” said Volkanovski in a video posted by the UFC. “It caught me off guard. I got emotional while walking down, but held it together. I really appreciate everyone. The support has been incredible.”
The UFC featherweight champion, Volkanovski, fought Islam Makhachev for the promotion’s lightweight title at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, he was knocked out by a head kick in the first round. This loss marked his second unsuccessful title challenge against Makhachev, having previously lost by split decision at UFC 284 in February.
After the fight, Volkanovski expressed the struggles of being a high-level competitor and fought back tears during a raw post-fight news conference. He plans to return to featherweight in January to defend his title against Ilia Topuria.
For more information about the event, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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