Alexander Volkanovski reveals mental struggles with inactivity: ‘I needed this for more than money’
2023 ж. 20 Қаз.
426 897 Рет қаралды
Alexander Volkanovski reveals he's been in a dark place without fighting after his loss to Islam Makhachev at the UFC 294 Post-Fight Press Conference.
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This is a man showing vulnerability around his mental health, I hope the UFC his team, friends and family step in to offer the help and support he needs, Look after this man x
he wants to fight, they all have problems going on in their heads, everyone has something going on if you’re human especially fighters
@@DingoDman Nobody is pretending people don't have mental health. Re-read his comment. Why so aggressive?
Why is it whenever someone expresses concerns about someone's well being there always has to be that one chump (you) who comes in to say that everyone has problems? Of course everyone has problems, but there is a massive difference between "having problems" and mentioning multiple times that you are "doing your head in" mentally while also publicly begging your employer to "keep you busy" to prevent yourself from not doing well. This is like a textbook call for help and hopefully the people around him recognize that. In worst case scenarios here this could be complications from CTE or brain trauma.@@DingoDman
Spot on
@@DingoDmanYou obviously no nothing about mental health or having a mental illness. Do some research and come back you little fool 🤦🏽♂️
This dude is something else. Breaking down because he was practically having withdrawals from fighting. Hope he doesn't over do it. Take care of yourself first, champ.
Hurts to see him like that he was very emotional and confused in this interview... just gnarly man
Islam got this man crying. Crazy lol
he just fought almost 3 months ago lol
He wasn't breaking down from withdrawals from fighting, 😂 his heart is broken from losing
@@roflcakes7224 That's just passion, nobody. likes to lose. Watching your dreams crumble right before your eyes isn't exactly a great feeling
He said so much without saying it, he knows exactly what he’s going through. Tough seeing him not want to express it, which I think most of us can respect and understand
he knows exactly what's he's going through. as opposed to someone who doesn't know what they themselves are going through? what the fuck are you trying to say
@@newersifyif your comprehension of the English language is that low then that’s your problem
I think Volk did a great job expressing himself. It's not that he didn't want to express himself, it's that he didn't want to keep on repeating himself. In my opinion.
@@newersifyNo need for the hostility. If you didn't understand what he was trying to say then that is a you problem. If you truly wanted him to elaborate then you could've just said that without speaking so rudely.
@@NotASnowflake exactly!
Wow, this really does prove that you never know what’s going on behind someone’s eyes. Alex is one of the last fighters that comes to mind when you think of mental health struggles. I hope this man can find peace and happiness and be proud of the great things he’s accomplished. True champion
Could you write this in English so we can all have a chance at understanding it please?
@@a1l0s58 Been seeing that clown commenting everywhere lmao dude needs to learn some english he types like an Indian scammer
@@dickiemolitsanti2213This is the most nonsense word salad I’ve read in weeks
Hate he took this fight. Gangster stuff but flying across the world, cutting 30IBS was a recipe for disaster.
100%, he sold he's stocks for money, no way he was expecting a win
Gangster my ass. He was dumb AF
26 and Islam cut the same amount and the weight cut didn’t come into affect since he got caught early he wasn’t tired he just got caught clean
@@PoopythePlumberno you are wrong 11 days he was walking about 180 that's 30 pounds try cutting 30 in 11 you won't feel yourself
You were hyping him up for it leading up to the fight though lol
He didn't get the win but he stepped up when we needed him, respect +
Respect +
Respect +
😢😂😂😂😂😂
I have a feeling he'll be back
@@jamiljamillmeadows3977bruh,let it go💀
This guy inspires me. Just a juggernaut of a human being. I'm sad he lost 💔
First step to getting over mental health problems is being honest with yourself and admitting it. This guy is seen as an absolute warrior, but that split second right there is probably the toughest thing he's ever done/admitted to himself in front of others. Volk you will not only be okay, but this moment of honesty will also save a lot of other people going through the same thing. I can't speak to who you are as a person I have obviously only seen your public image, but you are a role model among the uncommon and Elite. You have been an inspiration to myself and my friends who follow the ufc, we all consider you the goat, it's not even up for debate in our group. Keep being honest with yourself and you will figure out how to beat these mental demons. You make adjustments in fights that no other fighter can make as quick, this is the same thing, make the adjustments you need to and surround yourself with people who love you and tell you straight. Chin up champ.
@@kingkong-sg9ssif you’re serious then probably not the right time to make a comment like that given the man just opened up to a world wide audience about mental struggles, and you’ve replied to a comment talking about the same thing. Or If you’re just trolling then well done for sucking me into replying. Mental health is far more important than MMA or any other sport. If you ever go through depression then I hope your support network is everything you need it to be, as opposed to making stupid comments like the one you just made 👍
alright own up, who put 20p in the dickhead? - @@kingkong-sg9ss
You’re the reason people despise Islam. Genuinely the worst fan base in the whole sport.
@@kingkong-sg9ssbro Islam doesn't even accept your Fandom. He hates the guys like you. He will take the money you pay to watch and be a fan but you and others like you will never be respected by the Champ. You'll be a man one day but for now your mentality is the apitamy of immaturity. Hope Allah finds you one day.
@@kingkong-sg9ssIslam can’t even grow a moustache
I'm a little worried for Alex, not because I think he's finished but if he has little demons hunting him when he's not in camp, its very dangerous for his after career life. You need to find a second hobby asap for your retirement Alex.
Yup... Especially considering he's 35 at FW and got rocked badly by that kick. He might not be fighting at all in 2 years.
@@BernardoWLopes That kick wouldve rocked anybody he got caught but yeah he needs other things to take his mind from fighting after his career
There’s a name for it, it’s CTE
It’s not about hobbies bro what are you talking about? he just said he has a beautiful family and there’s no way he’s with them too often. He can say he wants to be busy but he’s clearly going through something deeper and should stop fighting right now. This is scary
There is no Demons he just want the money so bad
This hurts a lot. He is a noble and moral man. I really hope he gets support and finds a way out of this mentality
He's rich, he's got friends and family. He'll be ok
Not to forget.... a sore loser
@@LoneWolf-cv6plI'm pretty sure people like Chris Benoit had those things also.
@LoneWolf-cv6pl lots of rich people are depressed. Remember Robin Williams?
yeah meanwhile the majority of ppl are living check to check, he'll be okay.
The struggle is real. Wrestled for years and rolled bjj for sometime. High school wrestling coach. Bad accident changed everything. Without doing the thing you love it feels hollow. It's your outlet, your drive, purpose. Feels like a waste of life not climbing the ladder for some. Then the mindfk of how much longer do I even have comes into play. Stay healthy and stay grinding everyone.
That’s why it’s always good to have an outlet outside of fighting/sports that have a shelf life.
Man how can anyone not love this guy, so humble and respectful. Absolute hero.
He shouldn't have done an interview after a KO like this. . . It was a tough watch. I love you Volk. Take care mate ❤️
Agree. He's a beast and probably more hurt than he can admit, because he's a beast. No interview. Just rest for a bit you legend!
nah dude is just fine
Cry 😂
Just make excuses for him 😂 he was 100% who he was
Islam is his daddy now true.
This one hurt, not only as a Volk fan but as a MMA fan. This guys given us truly everything and some of the best moments in the sports history and last few years. We love you Volk the peoples CHAMP!
It hurts you but I loved that Islam won. Lol… the last fight you people or fans thought he won. Yeah, he won 1/4 of the last round while Islam won 4 and 3/4 of the fight. You guys really believed he won. This shows that he is nothing compared to Islam. Lol. Sorry Mate.
@@princeali1786bro the next 🍺 I hold gonna cheers to you. YESSSSS keep winning boys.
@@princeali1786Islam fans are actually inbred
@@princeali1786So what if Islam won, and?? You want a cookie? How about I fight you, lets set that up
😂😂💩💩
From the downtrodden Usman, Khamzats beautiful warrior heart crying about the blood and violence in the world and Volk revealing his struggles, these men have given me an unforgettable portrait of authenticity and emotion.
Volk. You don`t need to prove anything to anyone. You did what you did because your a fighter. You give your heart and soul to every fight. Win or lose always humble. We as fans couldn't be more proud. Don`t ever feel your alone in anything you do. So many people have your back. Stay strong.👊💪
Man this hurts. He was public enemy #1 after the second bout with Max. To see just how much of a shining star and inspiration he has become since is unimaginable. All the best and much love to ya Champ, keep your spirits up!
Great comment
Millions of dollars before christmas? Hell yes. That choice was made for his family and friends.
This could get a million likes & still be an Underrated comment ❤
Highs and Lows of professional athletes isn’t spoken about enough. These individuals are under the lime light / high pressure scenarios that the general population can never understand yet the general population feel entitled to comment and dictate what they can and can’t do. This man is a true man and has earned so much more respect for being honest and vulnerable about the harsh realities of life and professional sports. Be a leader on this now Volks…..be a voice and advocate to push this more into MMA.
It’s spoken about plenty mate there’s a whole field of study and profession around it you daft basser
being an athlete at the top of your respective sport has gotta be one of the toughest places to stay consistently mentally stable - no amount of financial stability can remove the pressure they have on their shoulders
Anytime I watch big UFC fights I feel nervous, especially at the walk outs. I can’t imagine how it feels to be in their shoes
Get off your knees
@@oscarlosev5331 100
It's refreshing to see someone like Volk show he is dealing with the same shit we all are. No man is beyond struggling with mental health. You do the world a massive service sitting up there and speaking about this Volk, thank you, sir.
I love this guy - a true legend of the sport and great role model all round. It's a tough loss but he'll be back with more victories! Keep up the greatness.
Man i hope he takes care of himself. He sounds utterly addicted to fighting. Can be a gift & a curse.
Some fighters are like that. Strickland is the same but he is more realistic, knows that besides money and the actual fight, everything else is bullcrap. Alex shooting for so called "greatness" that's why he a little bit emotional.
Not sure it has to be fighting but some people need something to be fully engulfed by
@@jordymanunitedyup it can be anything. This is usually something we as men struggle with cause naturally we feel our worth comes from the work we put in. A sense of purpose. No matter what it is
What a strong mentality! Being able to admit those things in a press conference, after such a night is so moral and a life lesson for many! That's a real man right there! Big respect for the champ! He is a winner no matter what others think!
It's ironic how this mindset of his has made him one of the greatest martial artists of all time but it's the same mindset that could lead to his downfall outside the cage. Hope he gets all the help he needs to recover from this coz he is an international treasure.
He needs to put his warrior identity away and just find himself. We value the man as much as the fighter and so I hope he makes peace with his inner demons and understands that he is much more than a great fighter.
This right here is a man. Insane how he's able to feed these reporters after a concussion while bottling his emotion and manning it out. Take care of yourself champ you stepped up in the conditions you were in that alone proved how big of a legend in the game you are. Bless.
He's getting closer to the retirement age and that's a huge pressure mentally for someone that has been doing sports probably their whole life. It probably feels like dying. Some people can't let it go, like Tony Ferguson, Volk is just trying to avoid thinking about what he's gonna do after by training and being in camp. A headkick is nothing compared to the mental pressure these guys go through, feel really bad for him.
I agree each fight takes something
Maybe because he is getting older he feels like his time is running out as a fighter. So he needs to win as much as possible/build legacy before he is no longer in his prime.
Very well said my dude
Celebrity boxing is always there
Best human in the sport. The champion regardless of belts or anything. A true role model for men
Dam man this guy is such a legend its hard to see him like this. Also a good reminder we are all human with our own struggles. If anybody got the strength to get through it, its Volk!
Damn man actually crazy to see volk emotional like that. Such huge respect man can’t wait to see him back.
These mental struggles come in different stages for any human. He needs to learn to manage it when he's not training or fighting so he can have a great life after UFC. Be strong 💪 brother. You will beat this ❤
He should stop fighting now this could be a sign of trauma and he needs to stop at least for a year
He should start looking for his creator Allah will help him 😊
@@noicemate9111 He's 35 he doesn't have a year to just sit out. His prime is going to run out no one can prevent that. That's probably why it bothers him so much, he knows he doesn't have a ton of time to accomplish everything he wants to for his legacy. By 36 he will likely be regressing not progressing. Everyone peaks eventually
@@noicemate9111 LOser christians
It’s insane how mental health can beat the toughest down. I’m no where near as tough as Volk and when it came for me it dropped me to my knees for years. It’s a mother fer, if you allow it to be. We all have bad days but keep fighting no matter what. Don’t give up! Volk is an absolute GEM! Love this dude!
This is why I love Volk, he speaks from the heart and is fearless. Sad to see what happened, but I think he’ll bounce back. Him choking up speaks to how much he loves the sport and can’t stand to think about a world without seeing himself fighting
Bro he’s just a genuine person forget the fighting. I love this guy.
Volk is on edge. He shouldn’t take the fight in Jan. He needs to get his mental in order first. I know his emotions are probably crazy, he’s definitely concussed whether he wants to believe it or not. He needs to give himself time to heal and get his mind right. He’s going to end up like izzy if he doesn’t. Mindset isn’t everything. The body has a mind of its own and it’s been put under a lot of stress with head trauma, a new baby and surgery. His body and brain need rest. This is concerning. He should go talk to a therapist and take a break. This is the same you see with gamblers who lose a lot of money. They double down and make bad decisions because they want to rid themselves of pain. He needs to reset and deal with the pain before going into the next fight. Not go into the next fight with pain hoping that winning will fix it.
Blah blah blah. Your boy got smeshed
Agrees
Absolutely, that leg kick had to have caused him concussion can see his head wobble. I can imagine his brain shaking. He is one of the best, like you said he needs to take a break and heal mentally and physically. Having a sports mental coach or a psychiatrist could put him in a better state of mind. I wish him nothing but the best.
Agree with the therapy part l, I don’t think the answer is to fight especially so soon
A break is last thing he needs , he just said that squid breath , keep him busy
The fact that he wasn't willing to make any excuses is really admirable.
How can you not support this man? One of the realest UFC post fight interviews I’ve ever watched. Kudos to how real and professional Alex is.
Veterans who deployed overseas or had a good time running around feel the same way when they are home. Nothing fills the void and you miss the days. It has been years and sometime at night I miss those days with the boys on deployment. I love you Volk and I feel your pain brother
Thank you for your service
you dont want the deployment as much as you want the brotherhood. men with mental health issues almost always need the brotherhood more than the thing they said they want that achieves that brotherhood as a side effect. we are tribal pack mammals for millions of years ....
@@RemmyMusic1I 100% think this is the thing. I admire the close-knit brotherhood that the dagis have, and I think that's the optimal way it ought to be. In western culture we value individualism so much that it's broken apart the sense of community that is an inherent need for a social animal like us.
But doesn’t he say he has a great family that he loves? Why couldn’t that fill the void?
family isn't brotherhood. thats why you even call your brothers family too. it's a different type of relationship that men need to stay sane, competitive, and happy@@lennylennington
I hope Volk takes some time and waits a little bit more than January. 👑
Lots of people can relate to this. Difference is he’s doing it in front of the world. Legend
What a man !!! I don’t see any excuses in there only truth. He’s rocking the hole time with anxiety! The pressure’s these guys go through and to open up so honestly is admirable. He’s learned more again about himself and will be better for it. Hats off champ your the man !!
You use multiple exclamation points your comment must be valid!!!!!
Sad to see him struggle. Wishing him all the best and hope he recovers mentally and physically.
Packing a bong rip for him now
@@joeygproducedit7863 you're 13
What a great example of a true champion. No excuses and super humble even in defeat, still the goat in my opinion! 🇦🇺
💯 bro true Human emotion right there, shouldn’t of done an interview after that KO in my opinion, at the end of the day not many guys in that game would fight someone of Islams calibre on 10 day’s notice, but his emotions were a bit of a worry, hopefully he takes a bit of time to recover and spend with his family, Aussie legend right there
Not the goat, dont be silly now guys and training camp is another dead excuse…. KO IN FIRST ROUND NOT 3rd/4th, stamina doesnt even come into play! Andddd volk said he has been training on his weaknesses since the first fight….. Just take the L guys, hats off to Volk but he aint the best anymore🎉
Yeah the goat at sucking 😂💩💩💩
he still a champ casual@@Swaqster69
@@viponly5372 a champ with a 2 fight losing streak….he didnt put his belt on the line in the first fight or second….. So techincally he is a champ on paper🤦♂️
How you've been able to balance being the PFP UFC fighter with being a father to a young family is mind blowing ! You got a kick in the head this could of happened to anyone at the top of the game. You are a hero to many and we hope you can have a few months off of fighting and reconnect with whats most important ! RESPECT ! Stay safe champ
It’s already hard enough being this vulnerable with loved ones. He’s doing it with cameras in his face. Thanks champ
Man i never thought i would see him like this.. his issues are not fighting enough, Legend!
very true... he was dominating everyone and a juggernaut and to see him so confused and emotional is just crazy
A lot of it has to do with how he got finished. Everything happened so quick. He didn’t even have a chance to react before Islam jumped on top of him and got the ground and pound finish. He probably realized where he was at when Goddard came in and jumped between him and Islam. Losing sucks but it sucks more when you get finished that quickly.
@@ItsReplayBroYh his head is probably pounding while he’s wandering those questions
Yall have to understand its beyond fighting really.
Never knew he felt like this. He always so positive and encouraging too me. I have a lot of the same mental issues as Tyson Fury spoke abt. I won’t go into that cause I kw what assholes ppl are behind the keyboard. But I have ❤ for Volk I was rooting for him. And I hope he returns stronger.👊🏾🙏🏾
It's his purpose in life but when you put all your eggs in one basket like that it can cause some serious mental issues when you're not doing that one thing. Humans need purpose and I know exactly how you feel Christina as I've been there and still struggle, it's a fu**ing lonely place and I genuinely hope you are doing better and have a positive vision for your future! I think Volk is also very aware that he has little time left in the sport so that is causing him to panic and want to get as many fights in as possible so he can support his family, I'm in no doubt that's his selfless motivation, that and legacy and greatness of course.
@@rjim1 Thank you,!!!🫶🫶I’m still working on myself… What u said abt Volk makes sense tho, so I can see why he may feel the way he does.
Every person alive has these same 'mental issues' and if they say they dont they are lying
But you’re a female ? 🧐
@@MrSagarcool14lol no matter what happens women will always make the situation at hand about themselves. A man just lost and opens up about his mental, and she talking about HER struggles 😂 cmon now
All my life, I had one passion and it was kickboxing, I did it since 12 years old and it was so enjoyable for me, whenever I felt bad or had problems, it only took one kickboxing course to forget everything, i watched all the fights of the world and kbew all the fighters and everything related to the sport, I became addicted and couldn't find my personnal and spiritual equilibrium anymore whithout it. One day I hurted my back badly while carrying heavy stuff, I couldn't train anymore, I had the biggest depression of my life lol, that's the first time I realized that sport can become an addiction. Thanks to god I managed to heal, I am not comparing with volk but just putting it as a perspective, I fully understand what he feels specially at his level of the sport the dedication the adrenaline the life style, if its not well managed it can badly affect him mentally. Wish him the best he is such a good soul and such a warrior.
Ah man, this was tough to watch, as someone who has everything I could ever ask for and still struggle with mental health issues, it really pains me to hear this. Especially since it sounds like Alex is so new in his mental health journey, or hasn’t even realized that’s what it is yet, because it’s a long one, and a hard one, I really hope he gets help. There’s no shame in it.
boo hoo mental health excuses
Smoking a joint for ya mate
I know exactly what you mean. A family that loves and supports me, a loving and thoughtful wife, a son that is all you could ever ask for. But somehow your life gets enveloped by your disorders. They start to define you, rule you and manipulate your mind. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Stay strong y'all, we are all fighters in our own right!
Not halfway through his mic time and I’m convinced he couldn’t have made me a bigger fan by winning than by being a real vulnerable human being. This is why I still love this sport even though I don’t train or anything atm
Doesn’t matter who you are, depression can make its way into your life. I hope his family and friends, ufc etc try and be there for him and get him the help he needs. He’s asking for help and doesn’t want to sound weak like most men feel but amplified 10x cause he’s “Alex the great” and he doesn’t even know what’s happening to himself. I pray he can get it taken care of now cause when he retires shit will really hit the fan.
depression CAN'T? Did you mean can?
did your ancestors have the luxury of depression ?
@@usedcarsalesman777 bro thinks depression is a new thing lmao really thought you did something with this comment
No sympathy for pricks like that, glad to see him humbled
@@usedcarsalesman777Too much andrew tate can ruin your life mate. Depression is a real thing. If dealt properly it's easy to deal with also but the stigma around it makes it difficult.
Alex, you are the champ and the living embodiment of that word through your words and actions. Thank you being vulnerable after a loss and inspiring the underdogs to show up. Keep your chin up high! Will be rooting for you against Topuria!
Smeshed like chicken inshallah 😂❤
@@ugatahrahYour people are usually so gracious in victory, I also wanted Islam to win... but to laugh at someone who is emotional from coming up short is disgraceful
@@ugatahrahur momma a bum
@@besthealer916 I feel sorry for volk the way he lost , everyone who lost this way , it breaks them internally . but he will comeback and continue his win streak in featherweight
@@besthealer916 but right now he is mentally and internally hurt from this loss , he do not take this thing on his mind. This thing must make him more violent and he comeback to eat others.
I'm gutted for the guy. Huge Volk fan, I hope he looks after himself and has people around him to help him during these off times. So he can come back and be as good as ever
A true vulnerable legend right there. Good on you Champ. I hope you get the help you need, keep speaking up 👏👏👏
Can't express enough resoect for this guy. Legendary fighter right here. I'm blown away by hiw all of these guys compete and carry themselves. Head high champ! Love Volk ❤
Man get me emotional man Love this guy!! See u at 145 in 4 months you absolute legend ✊✊
Chin up champ you're a real one, there's nothing to be ashamed of you took the fight on short notice and fought a good fight as long as it lasted, i know you will come back stronger. Praying for fast recovery🙏🏻
The saddest part about all of this and the part that is missed in all this is the head trauma he takes for a living. You’re never the same after a KO. I just pray the head trauma is not affecting his mental health and that it doesn’t get worse over time. He’s an inspiration to us all and one of the greatest fighters ever.
This guy is pure class. Absolute stud. So much respect for him.
A lot of love and respect for you Alex for taking the fight on a short notice! You are a brave man! A true champ! Love from 🇦🇪
This is a real thing. I've talked to alot of my teammates and coaches about this. This sport takes so much away from us. The damage, so many hours in the gym away our families and the Sacrafice of a normal social lives. The doubt the fear a amger anxiety ect. Haven't touched the ufc yet or nowhere near what volk has done, but I know what it's like being away for too long kinda begins to break those who have embarked on this path down. Nobody walls away from this sport the same. Praying for you champ🙏🏾
What a stand up guy.. became a fan a while back and this makes me feel for him..
the mental and the positivity of this guy is just humbling you can't beat him on it, don't complain, just very honest, and he took it all on himself, that sad the hardest job on earth, imagine fighting naked, to feed your family and getting your ass kicked, and the stress the struggle, your family look up to you, your team depends on you, props to him and all the fighters.
Volk is an animal. Coming off of a surgery, cutting all of that weight in such a short time with going up a weight class. Dude deserves a 3rd fight w a true camp. Hopefully in time he is rewarded for saving this card.
He knew he had ZERO chances...with 11 days notice. Full camp would've give him a 5% chance. Man took it for the money ....be happy for him
Excuses! Imagine a featherweight cutting too much weight for a lightweight fight? Damn what a weight bully! You just prove it unconsciously.
@@naathnaath6377 no way he took it for money, he genuinely believed he was going to win , he could’ve got a full camp and made more money , 5% is stupid aswell the first fight was really close
When my pro athlete career was over. It was rough. Put a smile on for years. But deep down felt loss. Meditation and identity shift saved me. Human identity to Being identity does the trick for sustained internal peace and wisdom. ❤
Keeping busy that’s a good thing, I have been there and it’s not easy, depression is a real thing you learn a lot about your character keep moving forward and get all the help you need what helped me was helping others be open for your self and others. I have to say for you to sit there and answer all those questions impressed me you handled everything thing like a professional.
Wasn’t expecting that😢 even the most mentally tough guys go through it. Big respect to volk 🙏🙏
A true WARRIOR!!! Your still one of the best brother 🙏🏼👏🏼
Love this bloke!! Volk is a champion fighter and champion man. Really wish he didn’t take this on short notice 😭 he’s never looked worse than today. Clearly he was under prepped. Admire his heart and balls. Always doing Australian proud
As someone who did MMA and started fighting at 13, I can tell you how lonely it is to be a full on athlete. I am so proud that these athletes are starting to talk about it. Mike Tyson is great about talking about the back side of fighting or being a top athlete. So many people don't think about, don't realize or just don't care that these athletes are humans, with real human issues, with emotions and feelings. It reminds me of Gladiator times when the crowd just wanted to see someone win in spectacular fashion or loose in a spectacular fashion. There are true fans who support their favorites when they are winning or loosing. Then you have those who just want to see the train wrecks happen. So proud that so many are talking about *MENtal* health now!! Good on you Volk!!
Alex, you moved up and challenged yourself. After wiping out a division. That makes you one of the greatest ever. Only a certain if you have done that. Even khabib did not do it. He retired in his prime. Mad respect. Nothing to be ashamed of whatsoever.
He didn't beat Ilia so he didn't clean gis division and ilia will knock him out.
@@Ufcaddictilia not doing anything to volkanovski
@@Ufcaddictbro have some respect Volk ain't losing to Topuria like that
@@Raifyiix hahaha 😂 we will see
@@truefallenangel You seem to be ignorant that Toporia is more dangerous on the feet than everyone Volkanovski has fought even Islam.. Has a better wrestling, he has power in his hands, good footwork, his head movement with shoulder rolling makes him a way better boxer in the featherweight.. I don't see how Volkanovski is even gonna beat Ilia, it is not happening and I'm saying this with confidence.
Yes Volk, the transition from doing something that you've always done all your life to doing nothing is real and hard. Just like any relationship with anything. So, NEVER give up, you give up you die.
This man is an inspiration. Protect him at all costs. Go get help champ take your time to get right. You’re a father & husband first! We appreciate your insane activity & entertaining us fans for years🙏🏻
some deep word.. goosebumps.. mental health is serious.. God bless him..
Alex is my role model, he’s everything a fighter should aspire to be. I genuinely have all the respect and love for that man.
This fight hurt my soul 😔 what bothers me is I know he’s the better striker. I just can’t believe he didn’t block it
Yeah it’s a tough one… he did have his hands/ block in a great position however Islam just went a tiny bit higher than his guard and caught the top of his head
yeah he lose cry
Strength and courage come in many forms. The openness he's showing with stuff that's clearly very raw for him, is so commendable.
Big love for Alex, true warrior, humble man, no excuses, he’ll be fine.
Quite scary to hear this from him. Very all or nothing, it's either fighting and keeping him busy or nothing. I hope he manages to get his mental health okay.
he clearly needs a break
Why is it scary?
@@hbyt2477 men collapsing in their minds is a scary reality. maybe youre just a boy or something idk
@milesstover3724 right it's always some prick on here trying to sound tough.. this is bigger than fighting
@@hbyt2477bad things can happen when you dedicate you life to one thing and then that thing gets taken away from you by age whatever. UFC should give him all the support he can’t get
I have even more respect for Volk. I’m almost 7 years sober. Obviously he isn’t an addict, but what he’s talking about with fighting “withdrawals” and the mental side of it is the same demons a lot of addicts deal with. We all deal with things differently. He just happened to focus his energy on being one of the baddest dudes on the planet.
Alex your the real deal brother! Stepping up when the people need you. That’s a true champion. Keep your head up, you’ll be back stronger.
This man is nothing but class, he’s still champ and a pound for pound, he’s a winner inside and outside the octagon. I hope he figures this out for his mma career and personal life
Volk is still my favorite fighter. The man!
Volk, you are a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. We have infinite respect for you and we all want to see you do whatever you need to do be right with yourself, brother
Volk is a great human being . A great champ . But not a once in a life time athlete . He’s still great tho . Jones is a once in life time athlete
@@dommazeti18 Jones is great but he wouldn't ever in 100 years take the kind of risks Volk takes. The rare quality in Volk that I'm talking about isn't about just always winning and about not losing- it's about taking big risks, and coming back again and again even if you don't always come out on top. That's what makes Alex special is he actually will throw down anytime anywhere, whereas if Jones is sort of like Batman in that he needs prep time to fully execute his game. There's nothing wrong with that, and it's a smart way to move in the sport, but the gamble of Volk taking this fight was the sort of thing you won't ever see Jon do They're both great in their own way but I admire Volkanovski for different reasons
@@TheEnderBand Jones use to do coke before his fights lol he doesn’t really prepare as well 😂😂 haha but jokes aside I get what you’re saying . Anyone to tries to become a double champ deserves respect . Izzy tried and volk tried . I hope makachev actually gets his shot to . He beat p4p #2 and #1 back to back
@@dommazeti18 very true, he used to conduct himself very irresponsibly in the past prior to fights. But when it came to stuff like late changes in opponent, that was the type of variable he just wasn't willing to risk dealing with. All that said I absolutely rate him as one of the best to ever do it. I'm not taking anything away from him whatsoever, Jon is like legit GOAT status
Class act. I love the honestly and literally speaking from your heart. Volk is a amazing champ and amazing man
Alex take care of yourself first and foremost champ, you don't owe anything to anybody except you and your family. A warrior's spirit and a motivation for many people out there.
It's easy to say in hindsight that it was a mistake taking the fight but if he won it would've been legendary and cemented his legacy.
I never rooted for this man in my entire life, but I’ve always respected him for his skills and what he’s able to do with elite fighters. But I’m rooting for you now Alex. Just become the best 145 lber ever!!! I personally think you’re there already, but don’t kill yourself. You will have to stop fighting one day. Class act doing the post fight. Hits the souls bro
10 years of life=entire 😅
Man, so much respect for Volk. He’s an absolute legend and must be protected at all costs 🥺❤️
He is an absolute legend. Seeing him struggle with mental health just adds to his already amazing character. He embodies a champion through and through.
😂😂😂
Wow goes to show that no matter how good someone seems we never really know whats going on. All props to Volk man keep your head up. Being an Australian fan I was gutted 😭😭.
I love Volk. He's a legend. I think the fact that he "needed" this fight is an interesting part of psych that I would love to figure out more about.
I don’t think it’s sports psych, sounds like he’s using training camps as a distraction from issues that are bubbling underneath, we often confuse distraction with contentment or happiness, but when the distraction is removed our true baseline is revealed. In his case the distraction is MMA and the training camps
I guess thats what I mean I forgot sports psych had its own definition. What im saying here is that Volk actually DOES have some kind of problem that he needs to handle if he "doesnt feel good" outside of camps and a fight@@CB-dl1vg
He just had a baby, too. Believe it or not, men can struggle big time with postpartum as well even though it’s not talked about nearly as much. Lack of sleep combined with all the other things that come with having a new baby is tough. Adding to that being a top-tier professional athlete I can’t imagine the mental struggle this dude is fighting. The camp probably helped as a good distraction from only being in dad mode recently.
I hope Alex gets better… he’s my favorite fighter. I know he’s dealing with something deep inside, don’t let the darkness take over. Stay strong 💪
Hope this isn't the start of a spiral of his career and or his mental health I love this guy so heartwarming hear and see the vulnerability in this moment Much love & respect Champ !!!
A lot of people are workaholics like this, need to keep busy grinding, his work is just very different to other people's.
All love and respect to volk! Still a champ in feather weight and built different for taking this fight
You have to respect this man so much for his humble honesty!!
Damn made me like this man even more now. Respect Alex I hope you can find peace with the things that bring you worry.
Shattering seeing Volk like this … the rematch deserved so much better the UFC should be ashamed for asking him to save the card on 11 days notice .. and Volk should have said no .. Focus on featherweight Alex you’re still inspirational 👏🏻👏🏻🇦🇺💪🏻 see you in January Champ
@@zainalrawiwhat shot?! 😂
I agree...the UFC did their FW champ dirty. Although I think he himself shouldn't have taken the fight but it's all on the UFC for asking him to do that in the first place. Dana and co are just greedy mfers. No regard for their fighters at all...Volk got paid pretty well but it was about something far bigger than just a load of cash.
@@zainalrawi the card was terrible, nothing got saved by these 2 stepping up
I don't know why more people don't say this. But it seems if you aren't at Dana's beck and call 100% of your natural life, you get fucked over. He probably thought, "This is my last chance to do this," but he should've had someone in his ear who knew better. I know nothing about weight cuts and preparation, but seeing what people have been saying that he had no chance, it seems so obvious now.
I love seeing fighters get in their emotions and cry. because they’re showing us the human side of them and the passion they have. it’s nice and it feels good because these are some bad motherfuckers and yeah. Keep ya head up champ!💪🙏
Mental health doesn't discriminate. Takes a lot of courage to speak about mental hardships. Wishing you the best Volk.
Much love my man. Big respect 🙏 🤗