Alexander Volkanovski: ‘I’d Squash’ Islam Makhachev if He Was a Featherweight | The MMA Hour

Alexander Volkanovski discusses his performance at UFC 284, why he thought he won and which rounds, what he told Islam Makhachev during the fight, how much he weighed on fight night, his IV remarks, how close he was to a finish in the fifth round, who is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, when he wants to return, and more.
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[@VisceralCarbon]

Volk is a force of nature, he had Islam gassed by the end of the fight. The fact that there's a debate on the rounds shows how great he is.

[@asim7815]

The debate is by his fans not officials or any other judges all whom have declared islam the winner. The losers like you are the ones crying about it

[@unclejunior2668]

Khabib wouldn’t have gassed.

[@peytonhodge1260]

@Filipe Tenreiro islam didnt do anything the first 4 minutes of the round. and who said the fight was scored on the last minute? arguing with yourself. not to mention rounds 2 and 3 were razor thin and couldve gone either way

[@guerin545]

A force of nature that lost to the real force of nature

[@Mak2Grim]

The fact that everyone happy for volk lasting shows how great islam is

[@natemarx4999]

Islam couldn’t get an Australian wrestler to tap. Khabib is yelling at him at their gym as we speak.

[@flashpointprdx]

RABATA RABATA

[@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464]

Hes The best Australian wrestler to exist 😂 national champion and all.. no other Australian can do what volk does.. hes just a different breed

[@samholden1339]

@@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464 How about Bobby Knuckles tho? 😂 Besides those two though you're right

[@RockandRoll-ss7dc]

Rugby player . Was a heavyweight. Not just a simple "australian wrestler"

[@sillyface8501]

@@RockandRoll-ss7dc "If Australian Wrestling was Easy they would call it Sambo" 😂😂

[@samuelallen8945]

After the Max win I said "I'll never doubt Alex again" - then this fight happened and I was doubting him. He proved me wrong, AGAIN. I'll never doubt this man again. Easily has grown to be one of my favorite fighters on the roster. His confidence and self-belief is something we can ALL take from. Cheers, Alex the Great

[@vmro9446]

I was like here we go people doubting our great Macedonian brother Volks again so I didn’t even bother commenting anything besides “VOLK is the GOAT”🐐 😄😄

[@ryanmccarthy8652]

I’m already doubting him again in his next fight against Yair . He can’t dwell on his loss against Islam . I think Yair has an excellent chance of knocking him out .

[@beko_bekovic]

@@ryanmccarthy8652 bruh

[@Asiyah2000]

@@ryanmccarthy8652 exactly 💯

[@jackgulit943]

@James Sunderland cry more 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MYKOSS1]

Absolute LEGEND. What a blessing to have this man fighting in the UFC.

[@_Gunner_]

I had huge respect for Volk till he started spreading rumours Post fight with the "I heard he thought he lost" and then the tweets with "I won the fight" and now in this Ariel interview he's saying him and his team thought they were confident in winning the fight going into the fifth. It's as if we can't rewatch what happened...Dude himself said to his corner he was losing and his corner confirmed it and said to not worry and give it his all in round 5. There's an argument for Islam winning up to 4 rounds, there is NO argument for Volk to have won 3 rounds. 1.5 rounds and he can have an extra 0.5 to make it 2 due to him showing up. Also, Volk did NOT knock down Islam in round 2 and round 5 (I uploaded a video showing it in slowmo because ppl didn't believe it). 1, 2, 4 Islam are clear, round 3 is a coin toss and in round 5 Islam had the round for 4 minutes before he mistimed a TD at 1:13 left on the clock. Even the visible damage was on Islam's side up to that moment, the damage around Islam's eye and forehead occured in the last minute of round 5 in that G&P. He comes off as a sore loser twisting verifiable facts, his own very words.

[@garryblues2147]

@@_Gunner_ shut up your a pansie

[@BowlOfLifeNutrition]

Facts

[@ferass4334]

هلا

[@ferass4334]

هلا

[@ericvascotto1131]

Volk did the impossible and actually turned a fight with a Dagestani wrestler into a fight of the year contender. And a fun fight to watch

[@jayfaulkner2602]

Best compliment lmaoo

[@JimmyORizzle]

Volk has been a notoriously boring fighter for a lot of his career, nice revisionist history

[@neutron6304]

@@JimmyORizzle fr

[@etlonjonh]

@@JimmyORizzle where did he say anything other than THIS fight was entertaining? You know what revision means?

[@RedrumJE]

@@JimmyORizzle what recent Volk fight was boring?

[@remar-6]

His cardio is so nuts. He looked like he had multiple rounds left in the tank after the fight.

[@Rocky00000]

yes commendable cardio....but volk did not do any damage in the fight! except for the right hook that he landed in the last min of the last round....he has to stop being salty, egotistical and watch the fight properly again! as soon as islam wins.....one m'fer (dan hooker) claims "he cheated taking steroids", one m'fer (nate diaz) says "he got his ass whooped"....like wtf are you guys watching.....look at the damage that volk has done....absolutely no damage.....throughout the fight he was just swinging and missing punches and hooks....and he was the one getting popped by the left jab of islam and was even acknowledging it "oh yeah, that's a good one...this's a good one"....bruh...like..seriously.....islam won the fight clearly......if alex thinks he won....then he's just being delusional....the only thing we gotta appreciate about alex is his will and strength and heart to stay in the fight and not get submitted by the rear naked choke in the 4th....i give him that..

[@timw4432]

He was slowly drowning Islam. I've never seen one of Khabib's "4" look so ragged

[@Rocky00000]

@@timw4432 maybe he didn't concentrate on the conditioning......if khabib's the best something....it's his conditioning and his chin.....that's where his relentlessness builds from....in the fights....he drowned RDA, Poirier, Mcg, johnson, barboza, Al, gaethje just with his cardio, dragged 'em to the ground and put on a beating on them....but islam's a counter striker, he waits for opportunities to find.....and only when he finds 'em he attacks......but khabib creates opportunities and capitalizes.....that's the difference.....also if you notice....khabib's always on the frontfoot......trying to be aggressive......islam's never aggressive and mostly is on the backfoot...cause he's cautious of getting caught....!

[@timkruse9912]

volk use to play rugby lol their cardio is insane

[@walidsarwary]

He had home support too , I think islam would do much better In Abu Dhabi.

[@kieronlewis1101]

Some athletes give generic answers, but this guy talks from the heart, massively gone even further up in my estimation. Top bloke

[@JasonPierceOfficial]

2 fighters at the top of their game who came in well prepared. Both camps did their homework, and we got a highly tactical war. By no means a lopsided fight. Legendary fight indeed.

[@breauxdose]

I agree but I V

[@jose10yearsago15]

W comment

[@jimberry5318]

Very good fight round by round it's anyone's fight but if you scored the fight as a whole I think Alex won especially with the finish the most dominant part of the fight.

[@SmoothCriminalxD]

@@jimberry5318 You mean if you emphasize the ending it's Volk's fight? That's not the whole. He finishes strong and that got him the Holloway 2 win but the way the UFC rewards takedowns, wrestling and control one can see how Islam edged him out or at the very least how Islam could still win in this one.

[@albuquerquehotspot7835]

Volk is a great role model for people. Respectful, humble, confident, hard working, graceful in defeat. Epic bro.

[@J.CagleMMA]

Great role model? Dude just cried for an hour about losing a fight

[@Grimy_Aaronarr]

Accusing your opponent of cheating after you lose isn't being humble

[@therealforeignwolf]

@@J.CagleMMA pm

[@Sdot-od8jf]

Graceful in defeat??? 1. I thought I won. 2. I would squish him if he was a featherweight. 3. Islam does IVs to go up in weight. (No proof) 4. Islam told his corner he needs a rematch (complete lie)

[@rickkroll]

Lmao ive lost all respect for volk. Hes the sorest loser ive seen since "me foot was a balloon"

[@sloppygoo]

Him saying Islam felt weak and he thought he was baiting him when he was throwing his best at him is crazier than people realise he said it so casually

[@sohelhussain2689]

Islam has a lot less time to rehydrate and put weight back on because the fight was early on Sunday. Def had a big effect on Islam.

[@Hananiah70]

@@sohelhussain2689 lol Islam was using drugs

[@zebrom7994]

@@Hananiah70 volk lost and you are obviously a bandwagon hater. Touch grass nerd 😂

[@ebakfarnorf5050]

@@sohelhussain2689 hez proffessional.. .plus he must be cutting alot of weight coz hez actually middleweight hahaa

[@Hananiah70]

@@zebrom7994 Stay mad kiddo, Volk won. Volk almost kiIIed Islam in round 5. I won't touch grass

[@RJap23]

Volk is truly an inspiration and true gentleman

[@kalashumesh614]

Alexander 'Hulk'anovski!! An absolute beast and inspiration to millions💥👊

[@N0NE47]

Volk is just a next level human, I remember thinking Holloway was going to run through em, when I didn't know who Volk I'm now fully aware and privileged to know who Volk is. Living legend 100%

[@helmiyusoh68]

Agreed with your statement. But he LOST @ the loser.

[@SajjadKhan-cn6mv]

He lost....belts for moral victories, who are these jackasses writing these comments????

[@SajjadKhan-cn6mv]

Next level?? He lost twice. What is Islam then? What is Khabib then?

[@Warpig9]

@@SajjadKhan-cn6mv khabob is a natural welterweight. Put him against Colby or usman.

[@digisketched7877]

It takes someone special to beat Holloway 5of5 rounds!!! I agree, Volk is fan-freakin-tastic!

[@superchiller123chill]

What Volk did will be historically significant. This was a masterclass in TD defence.

[@JamesDeCastro]

100!

[@3ndoku5h]

lollll what? got his back taken multiple times and taken down 4 times.....

[@oak8891]

He got held down for nearly 8 mins of the fight but sure

[@ln3041]

All hail the new king! In my opinion as all of you guys agree, Yair must wait, perhaps defend interim belt, volkanovski has business in lw division.

[@humanoid9787]

Volk will go down as the guy who figured out the Dagestani style of wrestling

[@davemieze9021]

This dude very well may be the greatest fighter of all time. No drug suspensions, no off camera nonsense, has respect for every opponent, never makes it personal and performs like a champion at every moment.

[@paulclancy2404]

He's not getting rematch but I agree

[@Mo_R9]

Not better than khabib

[@marksutherlandjr.2121]

All he needs to do now, is let his Yes mean Yes, and his No mean No and he will be fine. At the end of the day though, a man is only as good as his word. Had he won that fight he would have wanted that belt, given the rules that HE laid down. Intresting that he loses a unanimous decision and decides to still call himself P4P#1 lol. What a JOKE he has made himself out to be,.

[@rennyskiathitis8178]

If he was the greatest fighter of all time he would have won.

[@jimberry5318]

@@rennyskiathitis8178 I thought he won it was close I mean he endured and had Islam beat as the fight went longer.

[@cremock9715]

For everyone who said everybody thought volk won, here a reality check Dayne Fox BloodyElbow 49-46 Makhachev Jed Meshew MMAFighting 49-46 Makhachev Chris De Santiago MiddleEasy 48-47 Makhachev Paul Fontaine WrestlingObserver 48-47 Makhachev Jack Dankoff Sherdog 48-47 Makhachev Jay Pettry Sherdog 48-47 Makhachev MMAMania 48-47 Makhachev John Pollock POST Wrestling 48-47 Makhachev Ryan Frederick WrestlingObserver 48-47 Makhachev Scott Fontana New York Post 48-47 Makhachev Jake Noecker BetQL 48-47 Makhachev Matthew Wells MMAJunkie 48-47 Makhachev Dan Urban Couchside Judges 48-47 Makhachev Jillian DeCoursey 48-47 Makhachev Keith Shillan Sherdog 48-47 Makhachev Stephie Haynes BloodyElbow 48-47 Makhachev CombatPress 48-47 Makhachev Danny Segura MMAJunkie 48-47 Makhachev BloodyElbow 48-47 Makhachev Michael DeSantis MMASucka 48-47 Makhachev Tim Burke BloodyElbow 48-47 Makhachev Alex Behunin Cageside Press 48-47 Makhachev MMAJunkie 48-47 Makhachev 95% of the judges and MMA Media scoring outlet ever existed scored the fight for makhachev, so go cry some more in circle

[@joshrichards9503]

You are a turkey!

[@hexoroid]

Same here.. I lost respect for Volkanovski. His own words were lets put the belts on the line. UFC wtf is wrong with u.. give Islam p4p

[@joshrichards9503]

@hex volk doesnt choose the opinion of the people that determine p4p.

[@jimberry5318]

2 and 4 are very debatable depending on what you're judging I mean Joe rogan said volk could have won..... flip 1 round and most of those scores are for volk. The reality is it was super close and Islam was done. If you think he dominated you're crazy.

[@chewsir]

The look of confusion on Islam's face in the 5th round was priceless. He didn't expect a former rugby player's ground and pound to be more effective than his.

[@sewiiijunior1809]

Well it was not , everyone knows that the 10 hrs of rehydration and 5 hrs of sleep killed Islam before the fight. Just look at his eyes during the weight in. Volk was ready to feast on a unhealthy Makachev with fans cheering him on and despite all of that Islam still won 3 rounds. VOLK was on camera saying that he is 2 down as well

[@Mason-626]

@@sewiiijunior1809 makes even more sense for islam to get some IV in his veins

[@jw1714]

@@sewiiijunior1809We’re making excuses for the guy that won now?

[@MA-wh2nr]

@@jw1714 Excuses can be valid. Doesn't change the outcome of the fight but it is useful to analyse all contributing factors.

[@managingarkreactors9339]

@@sewiiijunior1809 Dude you are riding that guy more than his girl. He was already there for well over 2 weeks prior to the fight to get accustomed to the time zone, and if the dude wasn't a weight bullet he wouldn't need a whole day to rehydrate.

[@britvaqt]

One of the biggest winners was Volk’s Bjj Coach, Craig Jones. Amazing game plan. First time I’ve seen the Dagestani wrestling style neutralized so well. Just stand up. New Volk fan from a long time doubter, Max Holloway fan. B-team honorable second place strikes again.

[@Waytheresawill]

For me it was his strength and conditioning that was superior and the cause of his resistance on the ground. Volks training levels are setting a new standard in the ufc for me.

[@spectrum1548]

We'll see how this guy does in Foreign condition 😅😅😅😅 Islam had to flee from Russia right ??? Let Islam enjoy

[@zaddy714]

Great point. A lot of credit to Craig Jones. There wasn’t a moment on the ground where Volk looked flustered.

[@LSnew1224]

If you actually watch the fight closely, Islam didn't capitalize on holding the wrist down, he let Alexander post. Khabib usually holds the wrist down which they post up with and it's called the Dagestani handcuff. I think Islam made alot of mistakes on his part maybe due to being overwhelmed by the crowd. If it was khabib I don't think Alexander would have been able to get up.

[@KaraSuraDraw1]

Islam did not even try to really wrestle. He won at Alex his own game. You will see in the rematch. When they change location as well. Alex will be demolished and this time on the ground, because Islam won standing up.

[@stoneystaystoned2437]

Volk is a real one, I would love to see a rematch at lightweight so he has another shot at that belt! Amazing fight can’t even imagine what we could expect from these two if second match happened!!

[@jaimemendez8098]

Alexander saying it’s on camera it’s locked in. Funny thing about that is that P4P #1 was also on the line and now they don’t want to give it to Islam. That’s on camera too

[@perrynelson777]

The rematch would be huge. That's what everyone wants.

[@lukem2260]

Fkn oath ,,islam running

[@aplias20]

islam will kill him next

[@dzhero3752]

Volk will get his a$$ kicked left and right in a rematch. Islam gave him a taste of a GOAT. Alex will get the full taste of Daghestani heroic power !!!

[@lukem2260]

@@aplias20 lets run it back ,,,atleast give respect

[@lukem2260]

@@dzhero3752 shut ur gaping hole

[@FR33_PALESTIN33]

ISLAM has gained 300,000 followers on IG since Saturday. VOLK has gained 100,000.

[@badanderson4187]

Alexander the GREAT! Coolest walk in I've ever seen loved every second of the fight

[@ILOVEMMA_]

Volk lost the fight but won the hearts of the people, what a performance

[@truthoverlies6434]

He lost to the terrible scoring system, but he won the fight. Makhachev came out looking a female in an abusive relationship. Lol. All he did was backpack Volk and get a cheap "ground control" victory, the same way Francis beat Gane and Sterling beat Yan. "Beat." It's a flaw in the scoring system that NEEDS to be corrected.

[@fafahamudi]

You need to watch the fight without voice alex lost and I saw him just in 1 last minute in 5 round so you can rewatch the fight without voice

[@fafahamudi]

@@truthoverlies6434 bro this is white boy analysing I bet if catch you you will be a female! Your guy lost to legend in Islam so but some respect

[@takoflame4948]

he won. they need to change the control time rules. you need to something

[@user-lq8nn7qx3q]

@@truthoverlies6434clown stop crying 🍌🍌🍌

[@Idkyou89]

It’s amazing how many people wanna give this man the victory just cuz he wasn’t dominated! Smh Morale victories don’t exist in mma!

[@zeebo9]

I love volk soo much more now simply for how he’s acted after the fight….Big respect

[@rennyskiathitis8178]

You mean how volk accused Islam of cheating? Sounds like a sore lower to me.

[@theguvnor3880]

I had Islam winning 3-2 but Volk is still the best fighter on the planet. His resume and current title run reinforce this point.

[@obi8323]

What was islam fighting for then? Thats like a loose loose & loose situation even after winning the fight!

[@A.K.625]

It's not crazy that Islam won this fight I think most people are surprised by the decision because Volk did a great performance against someone everyone thought he would pass him through easily which makes them think that Volk won the fight 100% but when rewatching the fight again I think Islam He did enough to win a close fight like this! And the judges gave him the win is not as crazy as others think.

[@asim7815]

Nope

[@jonathanramirez210]

Islam did nothing with control time. Especially in the fourth. Sad we value grabbing onto someone and doing nothing with it. Volk had more damage

[@BlackCrowOfDeath]

@@jonathanramirez210 By mma judging criteria if you have back control that counts as a submission attempt, even if you do nothing with it and stay in the same position to gain control time it still counts for a lot which I think is really stupid. If you’re constantly changing positions, looking for different submission attempts that should count for a lot imo. I also think mma fights should be judged on overall stats not round by round.

[@michaelkluver]

Volk has this insane supreme confidence. Determined and laser focused. Gonna be an incredible rematch.

[@proudindian9140]

Islam had a bad cut and he was looking for KO so he messed up but it will be an easy rematch for Islam...no hater love both

[@ettorebugatti9354]

​​@@proudindian9140 When did he had a good cut? He was still like 10-15 lbs heavier than Volk. What next time he will be 50lbs heavier so his wrestling might be more effective huh?

[@michaelkluver]

@@proudindian9140 Nothing but respect for both fighters. Both are among the best the UFC has to offer.

[@ceedub3966]

@@proudindian9140 you say as you clearly make excuses for Islam

[@SuperThesavage]

@@michaelkluver SUPREME!

[@pic5637]

This Man truly is Great!! Mannn I’m so happy he is STILL the P4P Fighter on The UFC Rankings!!!!💪🏼😎

[@BowlOfLifeNutrition]

Facts

[@MarijuanaMotivatedTV]

"his legs woulda been gassing cause he was hanging on for dear life" lmao

[@darren1989]

3 -2 Islam imo but Volk stock has gone through the roof . Great fight and congratulation to Islam

[@notyouraverage10k95]

Other way around my guy

[@JD-1991]

draw and immediate rematch. nothing decisive. imo. can understand how Makachev took it.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Islam clearly won round 1, 3 and 4. Both did great and there was back and forth throughout the fight.

[@shakmarriott4820]

@@alcottdevalte7440 he didn’t win 3

[@jak3brap10]

@@alcottdevalte7440 1,2 and 4

[@monitorlizard9971]

Volk is p4p #1 and the crazy thing is how much he is improving with every performance. Ever since he hit the spotlight every fight he exceeds my expectations.

[@adambozentko5877]

He Lost

[@thecasual7036]

@@adambozentko5877 yeah he lost that’s what you took from that performance you’re definitely that dude that lost once and never tried anything ever again😂💀

[@T1tusCr0w]

His training now must be like hell on earth to get so prepared & have that level of fitness. It’s awe inspiring to see.

[@budgetking2591]

@@adambozentko5877 but still p4p

[@Journeyman2585]

Not anymore

[@keizerstreets5005]

Australian Salty Rankings : 1) Kara France 2) Israel Adesayana 3) Alex Volkanovski 4) Dan Hooker Respect to Robert Whitaker and Tai Tuivasa who are humble in defeat and victory.

[@supapunchable]

What a guy! Shame he is already 34. I wish he could still fight for 10 years!

[@DemocratsReadMyBio_]

Yeah but we got 2 or 3 more years of Prime volk cuz he's never been in wars even vs Holloway he barely got hit hard

[@FinnMMA]

true the featherweight division has been the worst division in the UFC only Middleweight was worse until now and Heavyweight@@DemocratsReadMyBio_

[@JL-pm1sx]

Volk has so much talent it's incredible

[@waterlouis5229]

He's super talented both up and bottom

[@trolltrolol7070]

But islam has more

[@sy12]

Who’s more bitter currently…eagles fan or Aussie fans? And Ariel tweeted Saturday live during fight that he had Islam up 3-1 going into 5th. Anik and crew said the same on telecast.

[@nicholasscott5905]

I heard Islam fans heard a boo from a nearby sports field once and needed counseling for 3 years

[@4thquarterkenny]

@@nicholasscott5905 good thing those fans are all hearing cheers since their guy won lmao

[@nicholasscott5905]

@@4thquarterkenny I'd cheer too if my invincible champion got bashed and just survives

[@4thquarterkenny]

@@nicholasscott5905 yeah too bad your invincible champ got beat in his home country 🥶

[@nicholasscott5905]

@@4thquarterkenny he wasn't beat lol looked like he coulda done another 5. Can't say the same for stroke face islam

[@MilkyWayGalaxyy]

I never thought much of Volk before this fight bc I dont think much of the little 145 division with little guys. But WOW did he impress me. The way he was ragdolling Islam!!!

[@RomanPrag]

Islam formally won, but it was Volkanovski who demonstrated the real champion spirit. Rematch is a must

[@AmericanHinoki]

Volk may have lost but he proved he was, and still is pfp #1.

[@dbo4506]

100%

[@TexMex420]

No now Islam is the #1 pfp look it up

[@ASR-ash]

@@TexMex420 Nah pretty sure Volk is 🤪

[@iGreenShorts]

@@ASR-ash delusional 🤭

[@iGreenShorts]

@@dbo4506 100% wrong

[@DsabanovicDemo]

Islam got him fair and square in his hometown where he had to adapt to the weather,in australia,15 hour flight.. and got 3-2,in my opinion 4-1 for islam! This just shows u what a once in a lifetime beast of beasts islam is overcoming all that. In another man’s country under that pressure whole arena shouting against him and he won ..

[@williambennett7033]

Wait wait WAIT for it.... news flash islam cheated

[@FD-ub4vl]

@@williambennett7033 source: volk height

[@adame3021]

Volk: no disrespect to Islam. Then continues to disrespect.

[@abhaydadhwal1521]

No one talking about the fact that Islam only had 24 hours to recover rathan 36 ! We all saw that Islam wasn't at 100% in the fight due to this same reason. I hope Volkanovski internally knows that especially after rewatching the fight

[@rekthereaper3760]

Volk the type of guy to let you know what type of guy he is 💪

[@floatinggoose9197]

Great comment.

[@floatinggoose9197]

I saw one the other day about his "all that type of stuff"

[@eljay2224]

And all that type ah stuff

[@BH-dsk]

But that's just how he is and always has been. You know what I mean?

[@Kingofkos__]

Volk definitely one of my new favorite fighters the fact he moved up a weight class with no hesitation dude dead ass got that dog in him💯

[@3ndoku5h]

well, let me stop ya. Volk only has 4 finishes in all of his 12 wins in the ufc. he only has one finish in title defense against the zombie. his notable wins against holloway, aldo, mendes and ortega were all at the effective end of their career and the biggest win streak at that time of fighting volk amongst those guys was 2.... some of them were coming off a loss...

[@blindsight3690]

1000%

[@3ndoku5h]

volks overrated really, but thats because of the p4p ranking system in general. if you speak specifically on his division i wouldnt say that at all, but with current context and everything... ehhhh

[@jaw9095]

@@3ndoku5h ''volks overrated'' - gives islam the hardest match of his entire career while everyone thought this would be the easiest win for islam while it clearly wasnt lol. if volk is overrated then islam is also overrated, i think joshua lyons could possibly beat both of them at the same time in 1 round.

[@3ndoku5h]

@@jaw9095 nice paragraph full over overgeneralization

[@Al_hsn786]

People always forget the skills and greatness of winning player when it come against their favourite player. Volkavonski was defending all the move of Islam except last one minute

[@DarkPhantomSky]

At that moment he seems to be getting ahead of himself and a bit too confident/cocky: I don't have any stake in this either way but it was clear still that he lost. Islam landed more meaningful shots and controlled him more. That's it. From a layman's perspective my two cents: Volk did not look as fast in my opinion as previously and his/his coaches' approach seemed kind of reckless with him storming forward throwing looping punches most of the times, seemingly. Had issues with the distance/evasion from Islam.

[@bossmanali]

Alex corner during the fight: you're down 2 rounds you did slightly better in the third you need to make something happen. Alex post fight: I feel like I could of done a lot better Alex after reading all the casuals say he won: yeah I feel like I won

[@MrToxiclaughter]

Yeah, I'm sure alex is on youtube agreeing with strangers and did not rewatch the fight and came up with his own conclusion

[@bossmanali]

@There is no chill the thing is the second time watching it becomes blatantly clear that Islam won more rounds then volk 🤣 so yeah all the hype talk has skewed his perception

[@samblack5313]

“Casuals” -someone who started watching when Khabib was being overhyped

[@maxsmith4506]

Volkanovski is still pound for pound the best fighter in the world. He moved up from featherweight where he was already considered to be undersized to lightweight to face a guy who wouldn't look out of place at welterweight and gave him his hardest ever test while finishing round 5 on top, bashing his face in.

[@InfamousOne158]

Yeah he's just #2

[@SajjadKhan-cn6mv]

Easier to move up than move down

[@Grimy_Aaronarr]

P4P for the LW title that is what Volk said

[@ettorebugatti9354]

​@@SajjadKhan-cn6mv Yes but what advantages do you have by moving up? Volk is short even for his weight class.

[@SajjadKhan-cn6mv]

@@ettorebugatti9354 biggest advantage is cardio - listen to any MMA fighter who talks about weight cut versus going up a class on youtube, and Alex used to be 210, he fought at 170, what's his real weight? The wrestler beat the boxer at boxing.

[@younghoneybadger2339]

Crazy doesn't look like he was in a fight

[@spev7397]

Said his right eye says different

[@dave9547]

@spev7397 left eye

[@conciseviewllc1531]

Islam’s face looks much worse

[@okipo3443]

Kangaroo,kangaroo

[@helmiyusoh68]

@@conciseviewllc1531 but he won

[@SmokeZ420]

This man is the legend I actually thought he was After watching him enter the ufc. What a amazing champion

[@PweeBurntPizza]

"I can tell you's that he is human, but I will wait till the fight to show you's he is human." That you did Volk, that you did.

[@samblack5313]

We knew he was human when that no name knocked his ass out not that long ago. The overhyping of Muslim fighters continues. It’s a negative, because if you keep telling me someone is the greatest of all time, and my eyes see something different, you’ve not only made fans dislike the fighter, you’ve given them a reason to heavily discredit the fighter.

[@itztheboss-re5rs]

Rematch is needed next. Yair wants a title shot till September, max vs Arnold is in may, Charles is fighting Dariush.

[@GriffinDuyThespian]

volk the type of fighter to fight yair in may or june then fight Islam again in september. warrior

[@madrazo9696]

Defend against yair and if max beats arnold the division is temporarily clear for volk to fight for the 155 strap again

[@dootpooter4740]

If Islam gets No Contested because of illegal IV, we will definitely need a rematch.

[@user-md8qs8wh6y]

@@madrazo9696 there is no way arnold beats max so

[@johnwings6584]

@@madrazo9696 If volk beats yair while Islam sits out and does nothing then Volk should regain his P4P title for activity.

[@rajkhan9643]

It's rare to see Alex like this, I guess he rarely loses so you don't see the sore loser side. He keep saying "I don't want to be that guy but", "I don't mean to be disrespectful but", "I don't mean to make excuses but" (goes on to make excuses)

[@tipsapaajah7621]

But is prety reasonable becouse that was a close fight

[@rajkhan9643]

@@tipsapaajah7621 Close fights happen often, this wasn't even a split decision. Maybe he's just trying to sell a rematch.

[@Jimmy-1919]

@@rajkhan9643 he's saying what he believes and personally i don't disagree with him at all.

[@rajkhan9643]

@@Jimmy-1919 then he should drop the "I don't mean to make excuses" "I don't mean to be that guy" etc, just say what's on his mind and stop pretending like he's trying to be classy

[@williambennett7033]

What he really wants to say is islam cheated but he's to good for that ,give it some time and islam will be suspended

[@alexhudson-]

Volk if you read this, it doesn't matter that you lost brother. What man would have even taken that fight being in your position? The legacy of a fighter has very little to do with a record of wins and losses, but instead the fights that the man entered. Courage is such a rare virtue that manifests in regular men, but for great men, it is an intangible valiant part of their soul. You're a true champion Alex, a true champion. You're above any rank or position and always will be because it is who you are as a man. God bless you and you're family.

[@plug4you]

Keep crying Islam won CLEAR.. sore losers all of thee team from volk to dan they dont know how to take an L W islam let him rehydrate he smashing volk even easier and dan hooker should be speaking to izzy about cheating with his GYNO

[@alexhudson-]

@@plug4you you salty bruh chill

[@hossamgebeily]

Calm down Alex

[@starsmediagroupmn2277]

@@alexhudson- The thing is he beat Makachevs ass. Islam has some delusional fans. You dudes are pathetic

[@alexhudson-]

@@hossamgebeily thank you

[@reynossa3187]

A once in a generation fighter and the best fighter in the world.

[@rennyskiathitis8178]

He lost.

[@mmaknowledge-wp7hp]

@@rennyskiathitis8178 to a much much bigger man

[@tommyjjjr1]

Not a scratch on Volk! The true p4p #1 the uncrowned CHAMP CHAMP!!!

[@nightkidz11]

Man volk sounding kinda salty, Didn we forget that he lost the 2nd fight to max haha, keep the same energy

[@Jake-up3wh]

‘Keep that same energy’ your a lame bro also even if he did check the 3rd fight bud 😂

[@charlieirons9277]

If ya check the record he actually won all 3 fights against max ya flop. Keep that same energy 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@nightkidz11]

Volk just sounding salty man hahah

[@user-lq8nn7qx3q]

@@charlieirons9277lol if ya check the record Alex actually lost to Islam

[@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464]

@@Jake-up3wh yeh so now he knows what it feels like to be at the receiving end

[@steakbeard]

People who we dismissing Volk don't watch and understand MMA. He's stocky AF, strong AF, hard headed, and with a high IQ. He won 2 rounds and earns everyone's respect for his tenacity but he won just 2 rounds. Could you see him winning the rematch.. Maybe.. but I don't think most people would bet their money on it.

[@matthewchristie2186]

Don't most people go with the long odds easily could have been 3 rounds to either fighter this was the perfect fight to determine a Draw I think personally they are not scored enough but Volk was most Dominant in the 5th Islam most in the 1st abug difference in dominance ya see

[@sloppygoo]

Also people overseas aren’t familiar with rugby league. A faster version of rugby and one of our biggest sports. There is no sport not even mma that compares with the fatigue of a rugby league match every Aussie fighter was a league player and talk about it for that reason it’s the best base for mma

[@matthewchristie2186]

@Aussie Abroad I wouldn't go that far but it's certainly a good base for takedown defence I've always been hard to take down gotta get a held on my little frame Rugby League give good Centre Of Gravity awareness more so then other sports

[@GeraldGruenigMedia1]

@@matthewchristie2186 who the hell are you and why do you think people care?

[@ineedapharmists]

You mean the people who are here just because Islam is a Muslim. Every "islam is #1 pfp" cannot tell you the difference from sprawl and a butterfly guard.

[@syphonunfiltered]

20:49 Alex is an absolute monster. I love that he's saying it. P4P King!

[@daveshadenuff187]

Congratulations Volk on an amazing performance.You definitely made the doubters think differently.After the Max fights I don’t see who would and Ortega….

[@claudemakelele2856]

Volk getting ahead of himself here with all the support he's been getting. Many people wanted him to win because of their hate for the Dagestans.

[@JAM_2024]

The hate comes mostly from salty Mctapper fans.

[@chillsterdlux]

@@JAM_2024 CANT GO MCNUGGETS NOW I WOULDN'T BOTHER IF HE NEVER CAME BACK 🥳

[@souryabanik0907]

I don't think people hate 'Dagestanis', my friend. Volk is getting more support as he was the underdog and more of an experienced main stay 'old lion' type of champion who moved up and challenged the 'new buck' champion, Islam of the heavier weight class.

[@ganilau4214]

@@souryabanik0907 maybe for actual fans but there are numerous comments on all platforms calling Islam a nut hugger and a sand monkey. Crazy how many closeted racists come out when they can hide behind the public sway

[@dagreatestof]

I was rooting for volk because he is the underdog and all those type of stuff but I rewatched the fight 5 times makhachev stand up was better than I though and he catch volk clean at 1,2,3,4 rounds he was winning the standup battle even volk coaches knows that he was losing going to the 5round and they tell him to go for the finish... so I understand that volk is talking out of character saying he wins to push the narrative of the rematch.. but makachev wins that matchup fair and square and i love to seeing them run it back 👌

[@sho1oo]

I did the same thing. Islam 4-1 . Only round 5 for volk.

[@CristianMolina0]

Fax

[@flaredubbzy646]

Weasle video?

[@lalakuti289]

True..Islam win round 1 to 4 and Alex just won round 5 but volk can accept the fact and said he win..very funny

[@BH-dsk]

The win for Islam was legit, but it also showed he is stoppable by a short guy.

[@user-ov4il5zn7n]

"Dont determine man's strength by his height.Short height is my advantage"-Mike Tyson

[@xgtwb6473]

Different when you can knee and kick though

[@samblack5313]

Tysons advantage wasn’t having T-Rex arms at HW. Hahha. If he was the size of Lennox Lewis he would still be HW champ.

[@gifmesome]

The call-out by Islam and Khabib was for P4P #1, let's run that rematch since Islam is still a contender. Volk earned that and the streets need that!

[@jternesto1981]

Volk is such a likeable guy, big respect to both men putting on a hell of a fight🍻

[@rickkroll]

Volks a joke

[@edwardelric5491]

Volkanovski exposed himself for being a two faced liar. Before he lost he couldn't shut up about not wanting to hear any excuse from Islam and his camp after he lose....... and here he is doing the exact opposite of what he was preaching against. He could have took jose aldo as an example on how too act honorably even after a lose, but he didn't. Jose aldo the real 145 goat.

[@3ndoku5h]

volk is so likeable with non stop excuses and cant admit to losing fairly

[@jternesto1981]

@@edwardelric5491 Personally I like both Islam & Volk equally, they both seem like cool dudes from what I can tell. As far as the fight goes I had Islam up 3 rounds to 2... winning the fight, the takedowns and control on the ground sealed it in my opinion. It was a close fight, they both could win depending on their strategy going in. We need a rematch.

[@aplias20]

@@jternesto1981 nahhhh

[@Sam-ng3of]

Volk won rounds 3 and 5 only. There were some slips in round 2 that seemed like Makhachev got dropped but upon watching again that isn't the case.

[@dbo4506]

No dropped him. Clean. Pushed the pace all 5 rounds. Did the most damage. Only one to get close to finish. Finished on top. Could’ve gone another 5 rounds. Islam was done in the fourth when he just held on to Volks back refusing to fight. Pathetic way to act in a title fight.

[@dbo4506]

Pride rules…. Islam got smoked. UFC rules. Islam lost 3-2.

[@Mak2Grim]

And he barely won the 3rd it’s debatabls, he only got hits in the first 2 minutes 😊

[@Mak2Grim]

@@dbo4506 rewatch the fight u drunk aussie

[@paulfinch5732]

agree

[@stefrequency]

As the shorter guy, in like all of your fights, you are a beast and your a great example of how distance, reach and height is not always the advantage, your confidence, is however, taller than the rest, and you should of absolutely got your hand raised and should be proud, you seem so down to earth as a person as well UFC really now needs to clean up their act, the judges are horrific, could of least called it a draw... even though it wasnt. Alex won, Judges are wrong, and, Helwani is such a good interviewer man hes the best.

[@PweeBurntPizza]

Volk was full of confidence.. I think he can smoke Islam next time they fight.

[@elijahmiranda1229]

Why is everyone giving volk credit ? Yes he preformed amazingly but don’t get lost on Islam’s performance as well also having everything to lose still coming on top mans a warrior guys don’t get it twisted !

[@joescaletta9665]

Look at his face 25 mins and it doesnt even look like he was in a fight bro credit is due to his credibility Judges should have gave this man the win islam just didnt do enough

[@JamesDeCastro]

I can’t wait to see this REMATCH! I hope they do it right away. Top 5 Most Anticipated Fights of 2023 Ranked: 1. Conor vs Chandler 2. Volk vs Islam II 3. Jon Jones vs Cyril 4. Izzy vs Alex II 5. Gilbert vs Masvidal (6. Sandhagen vs Chito)**

[@Redaku418]

Good list

[@kennethwoodruff5808]

Gilbert will make masvidal retire finally. I feel like khamzat vs colby is more anticipated than that

[@rockstarhulk]

Islam will smoke him..Volk will go to Islam's home and Islam will have the fans on his side..Islam will improve after experiencing how good Volk is..Volk won't improve that much coz he think he won that fight.

[@danielmclaren170890]

It'll have to be after Islam has served his 2 year ban after cheating

[@mr.savage6671]

@@rockstarhulkyou’re absolutely tripping. Volks gonna get another 6 months of grappling. You think he’s not gonna get better? He was already stuffing islams takedowns, imagine more training in that.

[@extinctionCS]

so much respect for alex "im not trying to be disrespectful just trying to have fun and rev up the crowd"

[@mountainleopard5370]

A man is only as good as his word. Volk said he will give up his p4p spot if he loses, but he did not keep his word, he would have been happy to take Islam’s belt

[@miloszavodja]

I just rewatched the fight. This is an all time classic, what a showcase of MMA in both of the competators. True champions! As we speak of scoring, it is close but clear victory for Islam 3-2. The rematch would be awesome!

[@markdavis8430]

Volk still had 2 round in him At least ! This man is the biggest inspiration combat sport has ever produced! AV THE GOAT!

[@zenithvideos]

Dehydrated Islam still won. Islam will have 33hrs of rehydration time in his next fight unlike 25-26hrs in Perth. Islam is surely going to get a very impressive win in his next fight. 👍🏻☝🏻

[@nmdc93]

5 stages of grief on full display

[@courtroomwarrior]

Mad respect to Volk (true champion mindset), he refuses to take credit for the 4th round because of the body lock. I was rooting for Islam and believe Islam deserved the decision but Volk won the fight in light of how he finished the 5th round and how close the other rounds

[@oldironsides4107]

It shows he’s a lay down sally. Thought he lost as he was held snugly.

[@dootpooter4740]

>I was rooting for Islam and believe Islam deserved the decision >"Mohamad Ahmad" Yep, name checks out.

[@caocao7925]

everyone should know that this is the worst version of islam vs the best version of volk and despite that he won. u don't know the effect of losing weight and losing your muscles with your body in a demolishing situation vs a fighter who has an excess of fats and a body in a structural situation, there is a huge gap between the two as in islam's situation you will be susceptible to rapid exhaustion and losing a huge amount of muscular force and your heart becomes fragile in an annoying way but he STILL DID IT! if this fight was in 165 pound islam will DESTROY volk in first round, but he STILL DID IT! for those who don't get the full picture, islam was like someone who went up to the 50th floor without sleeping for 24H, there is heart palpitations, and your legs is shaking, lost of concentration, and feeling exhausted and despite of that he STILL DID IT! just to know the quality of ISLAM MAKHACHEV.

[@nicholasscott5905]

@@caocao7925 then why doesn't Islam man up and move to welterweight

[@caocao7925]

@@nicholasscott5905 he will buddy he will, he will clear his division for any potential challengers and then he will proceed to other conquer other divisions and marking his name as the best ufc fighter

[@A-Mana]

I thought the judges did an amazing job, it was a close fight but Islam did a little more in my opinion. A rematch is a must to settle this.

[@superfly19751]

Khabib to Ariel after this interview: loyalty is #1. If you no understand Loyalty, go google translate. 😂

[@AA-ig9re]

Alex "I'm not trying to be disrespectful" Volkanovski

[@americanborn8287]

Really I believe this man is the best fighter in the world. Class act cannot be submitted.

[@CHOEYGMUSIC]

I really want this rematch! 3-4 months? Sucks for Yair but this would be amazing

[@BowlOfLifeNutrition]

Same

[@Thomson07]

It actually lines up well for him since he wants to fight in Mexico in September

[@CHOEYGMUSIC]

@@Thomson07 True! I hope it all plays out this way

[@selvamgopal1125]

I became a huge fan of volk.. congrats man u r a the true champ

[@Todd66]

I liked Volk before this fight…now he’s probably my fav fighter. Back when he fought Ortega…I was like wtf?!?! He’s not human!!! Lol much respect!!

[@TheNaz1996]

Hyped for both fighters after that, impressed by both especially volk and his grappling defence 👏🏽

[@KharlHungus]

Honestly I was expecting Volk to have impressive anti-wrestling. I was way more surprised by Islams hands. I could tell he had low power in them but the accuracy and importance of every strike was crazy. Just snapping Volks head back and side to side was really disruptive to his standing game.

[@ajay1888]

@Walter Sobchak I agree I don't like Islam at all but he did prove to me in this fight that his striking really isn't that bad. And he did get some good shots off but I feel like now that Volk is going to go in the rematch with Even more confidence knowing he can defend and get backup from all of Islam's takedowns, I think hes going to get the Better side of the striking next time. With that being said I still feel like volk won. That fight I thought it was 2 and 2 going into the 5th round

[@KharlHungus]

@@ajay1888 I just see more room for adjustments and improvements on Islams side than I see on Volks side. Volk was on fire and on point as much as you can ask him to be....with out having to do a hard weight cut. Islam needs definitely was off a little..and still beat him. I think Islam will look completely different and Volk will be the same (which is not a bad thing, he looked great). I thought is was a close fight but an obvious win for Islam. Please go watch The Weasel robbery video and if you're not convinced and have the time...go watch Tristar Gym/Zahabi podcast video.

[@deanwinchester7446]

The REAL Winner is Alex 👊🏽💣💥

[@Travvv94]

This was almost my favourite fight of all time, just can't be with that result...

[@Dclin9]

2023 boutta have some of the highest level dudes going at it. It feels bigger than any other year in recent memory.

[@yessir2048]

Facts

[@SajjadKhan-cn6mv]

Wrestler beat the boxer at boxing ... Alex hates that

[@AmericanTLBN]

🤣🤣 Yup

[@alejandrocastaneda6958]

What? Lol alex dropped islam on the feet.

[@FD-ub4vl]

@@alejandrocastaneda6958 and Islam dropped Alex

[@radicaleyemag]

I went into this fight thinking Islam was going to walk through Alex… how could he not after Charles? But after the build up, seeing Volk’s training on embedded, and then him fending off Islam, followed by his rally towards the end and the finish… I’m 100% sold on Volk. One of the most impressive performances I’ve seen considering the opponent.

[@samblack5313]

Charles? The guy who has quit more times than any fighter in history? You were basing it on that? Islam is a bin man who got knocked out by an unranked bum not that long ago, and ended this fight with a much smaller fighter standing over him while he cowered, gassed out, getting beaten on.

[@kevinjaquez5090]

Valentina gets a round in her favor while in the same back triangle mount. Damage I. That round was cited as the reasoning for the judges scoring in her favor. VOLK 4-1

[@hodlcrypto6026]

Alex went to his corner after 2nd round saying he was down 2, that's on tape, all cameras there, no one recorded islam asking for a rematch Stop it

[@dbo4506]

No he want back asking if he lost it. He didn’t say he lost. Someone in the corner said something and he said what, am I down 2. No one answered. So don’t talk out your ass.

[@nickkelly3199]

Islam did say he'd welcome a rematch

[@johnwings6584]

@@filipetenreiro448 Doesn't matter he has gained respect from mma fans all over the world other than probably Dagestan.

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

That 2nd round is as razor close as it gets and his corner did the right thing in telling him he's down cause you never know with these judges, always gotta think the other fighter won the round, its caused fighters to lose for coasting in a last round thinking they were up

[@PapoMasterYT]

@Filipe Tenreiro you two think you know if your up or down on score cards wHile fighting for two rounds. Like cmon

[@e.c.12]

I read a significant amount of comments on every video to the lead up to this fight. At least 9 out 10 comments was putting Volk down or either a respectable comment saying Volk has no chance. Just nuts going back over it all and literally a good majority is rooting for Volk after that display by him.

[@Mark-bd5ci]

Most MMA fans are tribal, uneducated and easily influenced by bias

[@Sephiroth-1]

Volko let's gooo 🔥🔥

[@screamstation]

EXCELLENT interview. Congrats to both

[@semlapa9864]

The face of ANZAC mma, the legend, the great Alex Volkanovski, champ your earned millions more fans with your heart, can't wait to see your another masterclass performance

[@dave.8]

Ah I wouldnt go to say Anzac mate. ANZ yeah sure but lets keep Anzac for the soldiers.

[@mm3501]

Man, I was so impressed with Volk after the fight because he was acting like a gentleman and took the loss because he lost! How many excuses did he throw out in this interview 🤔 size, weight, judges, "IV" (with no proof), rules, etc... He lost that fight literally watched 3 times, including live show.

[@reapin3444]

Its crazy they're throwing these accusations since 2 of their lil group have now lost to Islam

[@jamesconnors9155]

Islam's "control time" looked like Leo Di Caprio holding onto the door in Titanic, clinging for his life

[@reapin3444]

@@jamesconnors9155 and volk hit the stanky leg for a quick second, he also took a knee for the people of his country like Colby too right. Volk got outstruck by a WRESTLER 😂

[@jmz2144]

@@reapin3444 Volk put Islam on skates multiple times, froze him like Elsa 😅

[@Atomic952]

He didn’t lose the fight and there is compelling evidence that Islam used an iv including pictures of him before the fight with iv marks on his left arm. Dan hooker and volk both know they could get sued for saying this I bet they have evidence to back it up

[@picklerick7872]

Granted ive only been properly watching UFC for about 7-8 years but Volk is my fave of all time. What a hero

[@macjames2361]

i was so happy to see the disappointment on Eugene's face! 🤣🤣 hes been hating on those Russians for a while now and to see him so cocky after the final minute then crying was amazing HAHAHA . and not sure why i even clicked on this Ariel just said he has a case for 4th round.... BAHAHAHAHA the bias from this guy is hilarious !

[@Sam-ng3of]

Bro you looked huge in there. You definitely weighed more than him in there

[@ronaldbbx631]

He was 8 pounds less 😂 that’s nothing

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

Lmao you think Volk was bigger than Islam?

[@careshare3620]

Yep, looks like he (Alex) did the IV thing since he brought this up and won't be surprise if he mixed in some kind of drugs. The way he moves and his eyes looked like someone on drugs and right after the fight he went on a crazy party where he kept dancing non stop 😂.

[@Suter13]

@@ronaldbbx631 8 pounds is nothing?? what an idiotic thing to say.

[@edwardelric5491]

Volkanovski look larger than Islam. khabib said in his eagle fc interview that Islam natural weight is 178. We all saw how even oliviera looked bigger than him just look at the video of oliviera congratulating Islam after the fight, he looks so much bigger than Islam.