ABU DHABI – Alexander Volkanovski couldn’t resist the drive that pushed him to defeat on Saturday at UFC 294, but it’s this very attribute that has led him to many victories.
After his loss by first-round knockout to Islam Makhachev, Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) tried to control his emotions as he explained his decision to accept the lightweight title challenge on short notice.
“I don’t want to make excuses,” Volkanovski told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I believe in preparation, but I back myself, so that’s the decision I made. I’ve made better decisions before, but he’s not someone you should face on short notice. But I needed it.
“Many people will say it’s just for the money and all that, but it was more than that. It was hard. It really is hard for athletes. … I never thought I’d struggle with it, but when I wasn’t fighting or in camp, it was just frustrating. I needed a fight.”
The storybook ending was not meant to be. Makhachev’s head kick three minutes into the fight marked the beginning of the end. Volkanovski refused to use his lack of training as an excuse, as he reflected on his mindset and decision-making.
“This opportunity came up and to be honest, I wasn’t training as much as I should’ve,” Volkanovski said. “But I thought I had to do it. I had to take it. I’m telling myself it’s meant to be. I was struggling a bit not fighting, it was frustrating. I don’t know how. Everything’s fine. I have a beautiful family, but I just need to keep busy. That’s why I asked the UFC to keep me busy. I need to be in camp, otherwise I’ll go crazy.”
While many fighters may experience the emotional turmoil of a fall from the top after a title loss, Volkanovski remains on a different path. He still holds the UFC featherweight title and has a potential defense against Ilia Topuria scheduled for January, pending medical clearance. Saturday’s fight did not satisfy his hunger for competition.
“I need to be busy,” Volkanovski said. “Again, my purpose now is family and fighting. When I’m not fighting, I don’t feel fulfilled. I need to be ticking all the boxes. I don’t like wasting time.”
For more on the card, 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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