Alexander Volkanovski reflects on Yair Rodriguez win & potential fight vs. Ilia Topuria | ESPN MMA
Спорт
Megan Olivi interviews Alexander Volkanovski backstage at UFC 290 in Las Vegas after defeating Yair Rodriguez by TKO in the third round. Volk also gives his thoughts on a potential fight vs. Ilia Topuria as well as the injuries that he’s looking to repair before returning to the Octagon.
✔ For more UFC, sign up for ESPN+ espnplus.com/ufc/youtube
✔ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔ Subscribe to ESPN on KZread: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZread
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZread: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC
✔ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZread: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔ Watch ESPN on KZread TV: es.pn/KZreadTV
Пікірлер: 504
Representing Australia with class and skill. Congratulations to Volk, we’re proud to see you cement yourself amongst the greatest fighters of all time.
@imadegenyesandno
10 ай бұрын
Alexander Volkamedov
@beauaIoevv
10 ай бұрын
After watching the main event it’s obvious Conor Mcgregor wouId put Volkswagen in the grave. He beats Volk twice in one night even on his worst day
@vobzyy
10 ай бұрын
@@beauaIoevv Mcgregor cant beat addiction let alone another human. Volk would kill him.
@oldmonk9292
10 ай бұрын
@@beauaIoevvbro connor doesn't even stand a chance... That big mouth is getting beaten by everyone
@TransitionedToAShark
10 ай бұрын
He was born in wales and taken to Australia by kidnappers
This guy gives all the kids out there that are smaller than the others hope. Living legend.
@daemondost7168
10 ай бұрын
@@aidenweihrauch5861 no, Three punch
@Holisync
10 ай бұрын
Ilia will smash him
@munch1ez898
10 ай бұрын
@@HolisyncProbably thought yair would "smash him" too🤣🥱
@Holisync
10 ай бұрын
@@munch1ez898 i never taught that.. I said it from the beginning that if i was Volkanovski i would be more worried about Topuria than Yair because Let's analyze this.. Ilia has more knock out power we've never him knocking out many guys including 155 pounds opponent who was more big and taller than him, Ilia has dope wrestling we've seen him making Bryce Mitchell looking average and submitted him, Ilia has a good self defense we've seen it during his fight with Josh Emmett,Ilia has a great chin since he got a head kick from 155 pounder and he fell on the floor, got up like nothing happened and knocked that dude hard cold.Ilia has a good boxing 🥊, way better than Yair Rodriguez and can go 5 rounds without slowing down, we've seen it with Josh Emmett. Ok now let's look at Yair Rodriguez, this guy invest himself alot during and takes unnecessary risks and do crazy stuff like backflips, Yair stand up ia not good without his kicks and Volkanovski knew that if he can't land kicks obviously he won't outbox him, again Yair has problems when it comes to Wrestling we've already saw that when he was fighting Max Halloway, Max was controlling him on the ground and scored points, Volkanovski used that as his advantage as we've seen this fight he was taking it to the ground but with Ilia he will find problems because Ilia is complete everywhere like Volkanovski. USE YOUR BRAIN AND ANALYZE THESE FIGHTS, YOU WILL SEE THE ONLY PROBLEM FOR VOLKANOVSKI IN 145 IS ILLIA AND HE'S GONNA GET ROCKED.
@penayecyrille9405
10 ай бұрын
Lol he has a 71 reach, he is wide
Volk is now The Australian Nightmare 😂😂
@redhare8572
10 ай бұрын
The Australian Government announce that Volk is one of Australia wild animal species
10 ай бұрын
@@redhare8572The Australian government now wants him to get his 4th booster shot and attend pride month ceremonies.
@ilarnmanrasta91
10 ай бұрын
Volk is an Australian icon ... gtfoh Australian nightmare. This little guy just proved us Aussies have what it takes to be best in the world
@sillyface8501
10 ай бұрын
@@ilarnmanrasta91 You didn't get the Joke 😂😂😴
@sillyface8501
10 ай бұрын
@@redhare8572 😂👍
I like how active he is
Greatest featherweight of all time and on his way to GOAT.
@911eVoX
10 ай бұрын
Nah, Aldo is
@poptop1788
10 ай бұрын
@@911eVoXnah prime volk beats prime aldo
@live_fit1999
10 ай бұрын
@@poptop1788beats you mean destroys
@mystermont2019
10 ай бұрын
@@911eVoX Aldo has 1 more title defense than Volk but prime Aldo lost twice to a young less experienced Holloway. Volk beat a prime seasoned Holloway 3 times.
@aldotheapache
10 ай бұрын
@@911eVoX13 seconds
The finishing sequence takedown was so smooth.
@frankfuentes5659
10 ай бұрын
Yes, he did everything. Body shot, knee, head punches, body slam takedown, cross over leg mount, and ended with a relentless ground and pound. Perfect!
P4p best no debate imo, he reminds me of GSP just more offensive but his fight iq is crazy. If your good on the feet he will grapple, if you can grapple he will keep it standing. He controls where the fight is fought just like GSP did.
@Suplex479
10 ай бұрын
He also beats people at their own game like DJ, Jon and GSP
@jakebishop7822
10 ай бұрын
The scary thing about Volk is that he can often make it a ground fight if he wants, or striking if he wants the vast majority of the time. But like....even when he can't he can outbox Max Holloway, and wrestle with Islam.
@realife1542
10 ай бұрын
@@jakebishop7822 I know he’s physically strong but every time yair tried something on the ground it’s like Volk knew what he was going to do
Volk is really built different. He’s still getting better tbh.
Dominant performance by Volk
Volk fought a monster 155 in Islam, ain't no way he is fazed by Ilia😂
@budstopseasyroadspence
10 ай бұрын
Islam isn't even that good LOL Ilia is the monster you casual
@NoahCanFB
10 ай бұрын
@@budstopseasyroadspence they're both overrated. Casual
@jackgulit943
10 ай бұрын
@@NoahCanFBLol yeah a guy eho Beat pfp nr 1 and the best lightweight since Khabib is overrated ok😂😂
@soulchemist5795
10 ай бұрын
@@budstopseasyroadspence Islam can smoke Ilia to kingdom come casual. There are levels and Islam is a beast.
@JCVV22
10 ай бұрын
@@NoahCanFBlol yea islam who had a close fight with volk is overrated right? So you saying volk sucks then casual?
A true champion
The way he’s able to prepare for every type of opponent is just crazy. There isn’t much Volk can’t do
Pound for pound king
wish all interviews were this informative. Volk gives such detailed answers
When Volk first started on the UFC and he beat Holloway, I didn't think he would keep the title. I was totally wrong, guys am absolute stud. Congratulations to Volk on all of his success.
@marcopelaezfernandez4573
10 ай бұрын
It was clear back then he was a beast. Max one of the greatest, he played with him basically. I mean, it was pretty clear at least in my eyes..
when you think he cant get better he just keeps getting better. volk is putting australia on the map
@Suplex479
10 ай бұрын
It's a continent, very much on the map lol
@lowlowseesee
10 ай бұрын
who thought he couldnt get better >\? hahhahaha thats funny.
@jordanc9282
10 ай бұрын
Yeah, Australia have a long history of many massive sports stars, Australia has always been on the map. On the literal map though it's bigger than all of Europe 😂
@xomisfit1861
10 ай бұрын
@@Suplex479you slow bruh
@Suplex479
10 ай бұрын
@@xomisfit1861 I don't think I'm the show one when you're the one who can't get a joke bruh
when Alex looked at the camera right before the fight started and said "let's go" with an insane amount of confidence I knew he's gonna win he looked like he knows something we don't know, I genuinely thought Yair would at least have him hurt even if he loses
@lowlowseesee
10 ай бұрын
same lol
@dc4lcorkscrewpatdaGIGA
10 ай бұрын
He knows those steroids are working
@capncook5054
10 ай бұрын
@@dc4lcorkscrewpatdaGIGAhahaha wipe your tears
@dc4lcorkscrewpatdaGIGA
10 ай бұрын
@@capncook5054 I’m joking he’s just such a beast I don’t know how else to explain it but I was stoked when volk won
@Quietplague2000
10 ай бұрын
Well lmao I knew he'd just try and hug him
You make us Australian Macedonians proud brother🔥❤️
@TheMsRubytuesday
10 ай бұрын
Agreed. Bravo Nashio !!!!!!!!
Best fighter in the world right now
@lesionsofadifferentkind9158
10 ай бұрын
Godly bro. Yair is mad dangerous and he just dominated him. Volk is an animal
@user-nv2wt4hi8t
10 ай бұрын
Without question. He was P4P number 1 after he very arguably beat Islam. Add in now dominating again in his own division, unlike Jones who ran when Reyes beat him and Jan called him out, and we have the clear P4P number 1.
@Vibe_inn
10 ай бұрын
@@user-nv2wt4hi8t I guess volk is the great white hope eh
@user-nv2wt4hi8t
10 ай бұрын
@@Vibe_inn No, just the great MMA hope.
@Biliu9
10 ай бұрын
Volkanovski is the best in the world,,,,, easy fight for volkanvoski.. Rodriguez not a level😅
All class. Love this guy. Straight killer.
Masterclass performance. Hard not to like volk... solid champ!
Volk is just an absolute beast. A high IQ fighting machine. I would much rather see Volk rematch Islam than to see winner of Gaethje/Poirier or Charles Oliviera rematch Islam.
@slabzzz
10 ай бұрын
Volk vs Olives I have Olives winning.
@jamestoney6599
10 ай бұрын
@@slabzzz The guy who got finished by Islam in two vs the Guy who had him looking at the clock in fear and his corner carried him out. Olive oil fans huffing farts confirmed.
@josepharmand6117
10 ай бұрын
@@slabzzz I think Oliveira will struggle to finish Volk on ground...just like Ortega did, just like Islam did. Volk has never been submitted and is very strong. And, in terms of striking, I can't see Oliveira presenting a trickier challenge than Yair Rodriguez just did. And Charles often isn't very defensively sound...which is dangerous when facing Volk.
Illia is an absolute beast and very well-rounded, but Alex's footwork and speed is a level above of Illia, Alex is a lot more elusive and defensively aware, Illia has more power and better combos but landing one shot on Alex is hard let alone a whole combo
@noworldfortheweak
10 ай бұрын
Illia will start using his wrestling in any time in fighting if he feels uncomfortable on the feet
@Moneybaggbanda
10 ай бұрын
That favors volk
@johnwings6584
10 ай бұрын
@@noworldfortheweak Volk can wrestle with Islam, Ilia's wrestling aint gonna work on Volk
@noworldfortheweak
10 ай бұрын
@@johnwings6584 man your Islam are very overated by this way. Islam isn't a individual. He will never know what to do in octagon without good advice. With khabibi in corner İslam will control all rounds or submit him. And what you mean it don't worked. Wolk only won like a last minute lol..
@johnwings6584
10 ай бұрын
@@noworldfortheweak lmao you all like to change the narrative to make your favourite fighter look good. Look at what Islam did to Charles and compared that to Volk's performance. Saying that Khabib wasn't there so it didn't count is just nonsense. Were not the whole AKA team and other Dagestani guys there? And by wrestling with Islam I mean Volk was able to rival Islam's strength, who is a big 155er. If someone much bigger and stronger than Ilia can't manhandle Volk, what makes you think Ilia can?
Always nice to have a humble champ
I'm really planning to move to Australia and this champion has in part, motivated me to do so. New challenges and a new beginning.
I went to school with this lad. Good guy with a good heart. We grew up in Australia together. Great guy. Cheers everyone.
Volk gets better every fight - it’s crazy
She speaks for all of us, thank you Volk! 🙏
Dunno if I would have slept tonight if both Volk and Whittaker lost. Good work Volk 🇦🇺
@jacobsaunders1092
10 ай бұрын
Yea that woulda hurt
@timp1390
10 ай бұрын
Same. Gutted rob lost
@Eshayzbra96
10 ай бұрын
yeah one of my buddies was continuously saying "oh he's done, nup he's gonna lose" just to feel better if Volk lost ahahha but man, the whole pub went crazy when Volk got that win
The Featherweight GOAT
@JoeLancaster
10 ай бұрын
The p4p goat
@JoeLancaster
10 ай бұрын
@@xavierb9061I love Conor but prime Volk beats prime Conor as a warm up before a fight.
@JoeLancaster
10 ай бұрын
@@xavierb9061 bro stop. Volk at 145 beats prime Conor at 170 before the walkout for his main fight. I'd give Conor respect for lasting 60sec
Excellent performance by Volkanovski against a dangerous opponent. For what it's worth, I see him as P4P #1. So well rounded with excellent striking and great wrestling. Punishing ground and pound and great top control. Great fight IQ, mentally unbreakable and physically outstanding in terms of strength and stamina. He's the picture of a champion. It would be great to see him fight Illia, although maybe Sterling will have something to say about that if he beats O'Malley. Or who knows? He might come back soon enough to fight Islam in Abu Dhabi. Whatever the case, the future is exciting for Alexander "The Great". I look forward to it.
@groovetraxxxgingerbreadman1282
10 ай бұрын
tHE BEST AND THE MOST COMPLETE mma FIGHTER TODAY. THE GUY HAS NO WEAKNESSES.
@eoghangreene8749
10 ай бұрын
He has completed featherweight but Needs to win 155 to become undisputed G.O.A.T. (imo for the crybabies). Only way he beats Jones is two belts but minus the PEDs
@dabo150
10 ай бұрын
@@eoghangreene8749 Doesnt really matter what he does, in terms of resume he will never beat Jones as the GOAT. Also Jones has never taken any PEDs, please educate yourself and do some research, a metabolite that CAN be used to mask PED use is not a PED.
@eoghangreene8749
10 ай бұрын
@@dabo150 ok, change it to "banned substances" if it helps you rest easier bro. The point stands, if Volk becomes double champ and stays clean (unlike Bones) he is the goat (in my opinion, again for the crybabies)
@brambigdeli5021
10 ай бұрын
Agreed 👍🏼 and I was rooting for Yair ! Fair play for sure. Absolutely brilliant
true warrior!! what a mindset! wow
Clever interview. Thx Megan !
As a Mexican American I'm so happy for Volk there couldn't be a better champion Volk really is talented 👏
@Jaibee27
10 ай бұрын
As an Australian, I think Yair did really well. He hit volk with some massive shots which I think would have knocked out most people. Volk is lucky his head is so solid.
@Hydroponic21
10 ай бұрын
@Jaibee27 Volk is a tank bro I can't see anyone beating him at 145 thats his division.
This dude is an amazing athlete, he is not only fast, strong and technical but also very mental, you can see that he is very consentrated, very sharp very quick in his head... thats why i think hes probably gonna mop the floor with illia
I absolutely loved how volk took yair down and then took him to his own corner so his team can coach him during the fight. That was pretty epic in itself. It shows how volk listens to his corner and uses it to his full advantage. Excellent fight from volk.
Australia’s proud of ya Volk 🇦🇺
This guy has it. I rarely have favourites, but so far my favourites since watching the sport have been Matt Hughes, Cain Velasquez and now Volk.
General Alexander 'The Volk' King of the legion
I hope he gets his rematch next year or soon so he can be a double champion
VOLK has entered the top 5 GOAT list
PFP number one. He was before tonight, just further cementing it
Love this guy
Some boy, this boy, honestly.
"He landed a couple and I said ahh far play" 🤣💀
In my humble opinion, I think we’re looking at someone who will go down as being better than him. GSP honestly different weight class but this guy’s continuously evolving always getting better and seems to always find a way to take away his opponents, best weapons, or neutralize if you will/ negate what they do best?! It’s honestly some special and I’m not a huge fan of his but you Gotta give respect and credit where it’s due and he seems to be very grounded open minded, therefore willing to learn and puts the work in for sure not to mention phenomenal athlete who has a very high fight IQ and has the work ethic and the heart. Pretty much looking at the whole package.
The worst part of volk after that fight is the cut he got from his own camp haha
Congrats on the new arrival Volk 🍻
Volk smokes Topuria and then beats Islam.
@conormcgregor5392
10 ай бұрын
Keep dreaming. Islam gonna dominate him like he did last fight. Islam 155 king.
@shakmarriott4820
10 ай бұрын
Topuria is knocking this guy out
@chancerichards9176
10 ай бұрын
Try not to be clouded by this win. Yair is a great striker, but his takedown D was his downfall. Yair actually could have had a better fight, but Volk is great all around. He had a good double leg.
@dyfox3856
10 ай бұрын
Islam didn't dominate anything vs volk. He dominated holding on for dear life tho
@VicioRay
10 ай бұрын
Islam already beat this guy. Every time Volk fights from now on he’s just gonna make Islams performance even more impressive.
Alex is so systematic as he keeps emphasizing on it.
Let’s go VOLK! Yes you dominated. I thought that was gonna be the case but his style made me nervous. Your the baddest dude in the UFC!
Since 2018 i thought volk was one of the best fighters ever
The man!
Legendary fighter right here. GOAT
Volk was fluid in there amazing performance and victory
Volk is accurate in claiming he really prepared for those lightning quick kicks.
What A Masterclass Performance from Volk's! I would like to called "Volkcano Eruption" 🌋🔥💥
Volk is the best. Great attitude and a great man.
Volk's just on a whole new level above all the featherweight title challengers right now, Ilia's undefeated record will end soon enough
Love you Volk.
His nickname Alexander the great from the history books was a king and warrior from Greece who was undefeated in his battles. He really is worthy of that name. Truly one of a kind.
Volk is a great fighter and a good human being too. I thought his fight with makachev was a win for him personally. They should have a re match at least.
Ilia has *NOTHING* for Volk. If an unorthodox kickboxer has 0 for him, there's no way a traditional boxer has anything for him.
@omarilyas6103
10 ай бұрын
Boxing and wrestling is Ilia's mix and it's pretty clear Volkanovski is superior to him in both manners.
@beqabumbeishvili9358
10 ай бұрын
@@omarilyas6103 Volk is superior wrestler than Ilia? Do some research first. Topuria would ragdoll Volk in straight wrestling match
@NoahCanFB
10 ай бұрын
@@beqabumbeishvili9358 luckily this isn't STRAIGHT WRESTLING. Obviously he meant MMA wrestling. Instead of telling people to do their research, why don't you use your brain?
@jacobsaunders1092
10 ай бұрын
Ilia is a better wrestler than yair with clean boxing, definitely a threat.
@duenodeactivisionblizzard5478
10 ай бұрын
@@omarilyas6103better boxing than illia? Are you crazy? Hahahaha
His preparation for guys is among the best! Maybe the smartest fighter ever!
Ilia has great potential, but it feels like it just a little too early to take on Volk but that's the next and only thing for Volk at 145. He'll do better than Yair tho I feel, and he has really good hands and power so it will be interesting nevertheless.
He's a warrior
Impossible to not respect this guy also good luck to Topuria!
The Goat of MMA and is not even close
Congrats to Alexander Volkanovski, he belongs to City Kickboxing same with Stylebender (Izzy).
@JohnnyEtiquette
10 ай бұрын
No he doesn’t. He belongs to Freestyle Fighting Gym in Wollongong, Australia. City Kickboxing are just close affiliates and they are one big collaborative team. So he sometimes just trains there.
Will be super interesting against Ilia 🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪
Volks is a legend
He is the 🐐
the ilia fight would be awesome. ilia's been ragdolling other featherweights too.
I wanted Yair to win but Volkanosky is a Champion, well deserved !!
Champ teacher legend ❤
Pure Aussie toughness. Maddalena next! 💪🏻
Keep up the good work Megan 👏🎉
All y'all mofos who said Whitaker was gonna steam role DP. Proves anything can happen at any time. Don't underestimate your opponent.
absolute goat
Volk is a complete fighter. Tough to beat his mental game.
No one saw that Volk got CRACKED by a right hand before a takedown. Plus, Yair looked huge.
Meghan really is good at interviewing.
Volks definitely has jumped up on that goat status forsure
Charles vs Alex would be fight of the year.
The only interview Megan doesn't have to stand on a box for.
We got the GOAT athlete of all time Sir Donald Bradman and the GOAT combat athlete Alexander Volkanofksi 🇦🇺🇦🇺
Tell ‘em the price son!
Volk's Awesome!! 💥
Beast
Lets gooo volkk
Great questions lady for the p4p king
Now I feel that Max vs TKZ will be competitive. They both got badly out boxed by Volk. If TKZ had Max's chin, he would probably survive and look less washed. Volk is probably that much better.
@NoahCanFB
10 ай бұрын
Na you're trippin. Max gonna destroy zombie, he's the obvious, far ahead #2
@somdutroy
10 ай бұрын
@@NoahCanFB Max did not look that "far ahead" vs Allen or vs Yair.
ilia topuria ☝lobo primero avoieee❤✊✊✊🇬🇪🇬🇪
He is a Junior GSP...
Goat
How to stop a movable object(Yair)? You hold it down.
I wanna see Volk vs Do Bronx
You are going down Volka, Ilia is coming for you....I tell you that as a Georgian....👊
I WANT TO SEE HIM FIGHT ALJOMAIM STERLING
Sterling over Tilapia easily, I want to see something actually competitive. The guy who couldn’t finish Emmett needs to fight Yair or Max first, & probably loses to both.