Alexander Volkanovski 'clears the air' in post-fight comments at UFC 294: 'I don't need a break'

There’s no such thing as slowing down for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski.

Volkanovski, 35, suffered his second defeat in the Octagon to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 last weekend (October 21, 2023). “The Great” made his second attempt to become the double division champion, but unfortunately for him, he was met with a head kick and punches in the first round three minutes into the first round (watch the highlights).

Volkanovski’s plan before the brief rematch opportunity was to defend his title against Ilya Topuria in January 2024. That bout is still on the table, depending on Volkanovski’s health, but that’s still the goal.

“I don’t need a break,” Volkanovski said. His YouTube channel (free Mixed martial arts fighting). “I want to go back to camp. Obviously I need to talk to the doctors to make sure there is no concussion, stitches etc but I want to go to camp.

“As I said, I am the best version of myself inside and outside the cage when I have a clear direction,” he concluded. “The clear trend is that I’m getting a fight in and I think January still looks great for me. Obviously the Ilya Topuria fight is a very exciting fight and I can turn all my attention to it.

The immediate result was worrying for the 145-pound titleholder, who spoke of having a tough headspace heading into the Makhachev bout. Volkanovski noted that he was sharing his raw emotions and that he was fine and in a good place. In the end, he was happy to express himself in a vulnerable state for the world to see even though he didn’t get the result he wanted.

“I want to clear the air, I’ve been struggling the last few months,” Volkanovski said. “The new baby, the surgery, not being in the gym as much as I want to and trying to be the best dad I can be, [it] It can take a lot of training, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. So I haven’t been able to be in the gym as much as I’d like, which can make things more difficult sometimes.

He continued: “Two things are important to me: my family and my career.” “This is how I take care of my family. They are my purpose in life, providing for my family and how I do that is my battle. I am at my best and sometimes I put some pressure on because I know I need to make the most of me at my best because my days are numbered. Me and my wife, we are amazing, we have Family life is beautiful again, and we’re all doing well, so I want everyone to know that. I don’t want everyone to think that’s not the case. I’m trying to deal with being a high-performance athlete and not being able to achieve that side of things, especially in the months last few.

For complete UFC 294 results, coverage and highlights, click through here.