Alexander Volkanovski has actually developed himself as one of the most vibrant and active champs in the UFC, especially throughout his reign as the featherweight champ. He remarkably protected his title 4 times within simply 2 years, a duration that accompanied the obstacles postured by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, having actually recovered the champion by beating Diego Lopes for the uninhabited title at UFC 314 on April 12, Volkanovski is identified to continue this pattern of success and keep his dominant existence in the octagon.

Despite dealing with suspicion concerning his capabilities due to his age and current back-to-back knockout losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski made history as the very first fighter over 35 years of ages to protect a UFC champion in the 155-pound department in Miami. His triumph is a testimony to his strength and ability, and it has actually silenced a number of his critics.

At the post-fight interview, Volkanovski assessed his future aspirations, specifying, “I’m not going to do anything too crazy.” He acknowledged the conversations surrounding his fast turn-around in battles, highlighting his dedication to dealing with obstacles head-on. “A lot of people are going to carry on, but that’s who I am. I’m the guy who steps up when the odds are stacked against me, and I’m still willing to fight,” he asserted, showcasing his decision and combating spirit.

Volkanovski elaborated on his frame of mind, specifying, “That same guy with that same mindset and mentality turns up in the gym every single f*cking day.” He worried the value of his training program and how it adds to his success as a champ. “If I’m not going to do that, I wouldn’t be the champion I am. My team supported my decisions because they understand my character and capabilities. I can be stubborn, but that’s part of who I am,” he confessed, highlighting his devotion to the sport.

Following an extreme five-round fight with Lopes, where contusions marked his face, Volkanovski left the timing of his next battle as much as the UFC matchmakers. However, he revealed a choice not to wait up until September for a prospective title defense versus Yair Rodriguez at the upcoming Noche UFC pay-per-view in Guadalajara. His passion to combat earlier shows his competitive nature and desire to remain active.

“If everything’s good, I’d probably like to go soon,” Volkanovski communicated. “Quicker than that, to be honest. If I’m fit and ready, I could see myself fighting in July or September.” He meant the possibility of dealing with Movsar Evloev if he feels up to it, revealing his desire to handle leading competitors rapidly. “I didn’t expect to get hit this much during that fight. Credit to f*cking Diego for his performance,” he acknowledged, reviewing the strength of the match.

“I’ve got to look at a few things,” Volkanovski included. He prepares to get X-rays to evaluate his condition and guarantee that he is physically efficient in going back to training quickly. “Cuts heal quickly, and after a couple of weeks, I’ll be back at it. I’m a professional and disciplined fighter, so I’ll keep working hard. I’ll communicate with the UFC to determine my next steps,” he verified, showing his dedication to his profession and preparedness to go back to action.

Rodriguez, who is likewise a previous interim champ, accomplished a triumph versus previous Bellator champ Patricio Pitbull previously that night at UFC 314. However, he formerly dealt with Volkanovski and suffered a third-round blockage while trying to combine titles. While Rodriguez has actually recovered from 2 successive losses to Volkanovski and Brian Ortega, Volkanovski stays unsure if Rodriguez must be next in line rather of the unbeaten Evloev.

“Look, he’s a good dude. I like him a lot,” Volkanovski stated relating to Rodriguez. “If the UFC decides to give him the shot, I won’t stand in his way. I have to be honest; before his last fight, I didn’t think he would be in contention for a title shot. But now that he’s expressing interest, I’m not going to say no. I’ll leave the decision-making to the UFC,” he suggested, lionizing for his fellow fighter.

“There are also fighters like Movsar, who is undefeated, and I’d love to take that zero away from him,” Volkanovski kept in mind. “We need to see what the UFC has in mind. I’ve seen him tweeting about wanting to fight someone in May, so maybe he has discussions about a future fight. I still want to jump back into the octagon as soon as possible, but I’ll need to evaluate a few things first,” he stated, revealing his passion to contend while staying tactical about his next relocation.

Ultimately, for Volkanovski, gaining back the UFC champion and holding the belt isn’t whatever. His focus extends beyond the title to the essence of winning and attaining success in the sport.

“To be honest, it’s not about the title,” Volkanovski revealed. “It’s not just about the belt, but rather about winning consistently, remaining on top, and achieving success. This experience signifies so much more. I dedicate myself to training hard every day, making sacrifices. What’s the purpose behind all this? It’s to be the best, and this title symbolizes that accomplishment,” he mentioned earnestly.

“This championship belt will just sit in the closet like the previous one,” he continued. “However, what it truly represents and what I’ve accomplished means a lot to me. Taking this title back to my family and friends is what makes it special. Perhaps that’s why I haven’t fully absorbed this moment yet; I want to celebrate it with my loved ones back home. When I share this achievement with them, that’s when it truly resonates with me. The belt itself doesn’t matter as much as the journey and the people I share it with,” he concluded, highlighting the much deeper significance of his success.