Alexander Volkanovski: Islam Makhachev Can’t Use No Khabib as Excuse - The MMA Hour
Alexander Volkanovski discusses training for his lightweight title fight at UFC 284, his experience at UFC 280, Islam Makhachev’s recent comments, Khabib not being in Makhachev’s corner, Israel Adesanya losing his belt, Makhachev’s paths to victory, snorkeling with sharks, and more.
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I wasn’t always a fan of Alex, mainly because I’m such a fan of Max but I gotta say Alex has turned me into a fan and I’m rooting for him to shock the majority and become Champ Champ.
Me too
Same
Sam exactly how I feel dude.
Go volk
I'm an Aussie , I love Max & his surfing other life in Hawaii & his all out staunchness like the Black Shorts of Oahu which he is a homie.. man Alex is from Wollongong ' The Gong ' ..the 'Gong' is Pound 4 Pound the toughest place in the world...steel workers finishing the day off with a surf in 10 Ft barrels 2 min away
This man is a living legend, UFC better put him to UFC HOF asap after he's done fighting, so much respect champ, an amazing human being, role model champion, can't wait for his massive success 🙏
🥩🐎
Volk is the MJ of pro sports 💯
I want Makachev cause them tough guys need humility or we will have another McAttack nightmare down under BABY
Hahahahahahaha UFC putting legit people into the HOF? This is a joke right?
Think he needs to do a little more to be in the hall of fame
One thing is certain. The man doesn't back away from a challenge, unlike so many in the UFC these days.
“So many “ of them were smart not to fight Islam
This dudes confidence is crazy, he can sell water to a fish. I love this dudes story and how he carries himself. Good luck to both fighters and hope they both stay healthy and go as hard as they can.
Well if there was some reason a lack of water and fish could do deals, I bet it’d be quite easy to convince a fish to buy water since they need it . Islam in one by submission
@Ben Pietrzykowski only a fool bets against an Aussie Champ in Australia. Especially when they're the underdog. Remember we were the first to defeat Rommel and the Japs in Battle. 🇦🇺 🪃 🇦🇺
@@benpietrzykowski9216 you’re slow
Alexander The Grapes!
The thing is I look at people like Drew Dober and think they’ll make mince meat of Volkan which is why I think he has no chance against Islam.
I'm really interested to see if Volk can make it happen. We need more fighters to have this mindset.
lsIam picks volkswagen up like a toddIer and smashes him into the canvas out coId👍
@@beauaIloevv other bigger guys couldn't do it
Well he's not the #1 p4p fighter in the UFC because he's not going to make it happen, lmao 🤣
He can't
@beau aloevv𖤐 lmao u really don’t have anythink better to do aye commenting on all volks vids, islame doesn’t ever really smash anyone either, all his opponents go home pretty un-injured 🤣💀
If Alex can actually win hes definitely in the top 5 best mma fighters of all time.
If Alex wins, it would mean that he was capable of grappling with the highly skilled Dagestani wrestling style, which would make him the most versatile, well-rounded and complete fighter in the UFC. To attain GOAT status, Alex would need more title defenses on his resume, but from purely a skills perspective, he would be right there with mighty mouse, even better. While GSP and JJ were accomplished in blending their skills, their striking abilities were not comparable to Alex's, and they never encountered a wrestler and grappler as formidable as Islam.
@@panic_diver Very well said, i agree with everything you wrote. But now we will have to see if Islam will just hold him down the entire fight.
@@panic_diver JJ outwrestled the top grapplers in the world. Chael Sonnen an All American wrestler. Daniel Cormier was an olympic wrestler. Y’all gotta stop it. The Dagestani wrestlers are great but I don’t see none of them with olympic medals
@@blazeking918 drug testing is too thorough in the Olympics lol. UFC is a bit different.....
@@blazeking918 Stop it, Chael and DC were great but they never showed the absolute dominance Khabib and Islam have displayed over the last 7-8 years.
Genuinely can't believe this fight is happening while these two are in their primes. Such an insane fight. The highest skilled UFC fight of all time.
Who you got brotha from the heart not the brain lol my heart says volk but mind says Islam love me some volk
@@matthewestler4882 Heart says Volk, brain says Islam is beatable, but 60/40 favorite imo. If anyone can outskill him though, it would have to be Volk.
@@jayfaulkner2602 Volk surviving Ortega's submissions makes me feel better about his chances. I'm not saying Brian is on Islam's level, but Volk was about in as much trouble as you can be and got out. I want Islam to just dominate the division, but Volk being the underdog just makes me wanna root for him
Islam chokes him out in RD 3
@@jayfaulkner2602 he can only outskill him in boxing, not in mma
Alex ‘At the end of the day’ Volkanovski Absolute legend ✊
That's actually Woodley
Alexander "And all that typa stuff" Volkanovski
Alexander "uhhh" Volkanovski
"And again"
Looks like he left no turn un-stoned and it is what it is
this man is so tough ultimate respect. the only person to ever call out islam, and not only that but he’a upset that khabib ISN’T cornering him. i got islam in this one but this man is a warrior i’m in awe of him constantly trying to achieve as much as he possibly can and doing it the hard way since the beginning. FW goat and if he pulls off this upset he cracks top 5 all time imo
Islam called out volk, not the other way around
@@Jurgenwenger no he didn't. He went there to be the backup
He was praying that Olives would've won
@@DH-vy8hw he said, he hoped Oliveira would win since he would most def fight him in Australia
If he wins he’s the goat
Volk is a great champion. Challenging himself at another weight class and willing to stay active in both
Alex is the most well spoken intelligent dog I’ve ever seen, very smart man who knows the game inside out his confidence is infectious everytime he speaks with such conviction I can’t help but think he’s taking home them belts
I don’t think you quite know what he’s up against
@@lukeamendolara5818 you act like Islam hasn’t lost as well.
@Bryler he didn't say anything about never losing
@@RayGoesLive they didn't say they said anything about losing
145- Alexander "All this/that type of stuff" volkanovski 155- Alexander "At the end of the day" volkanovski
Haha brilliant Come on volk
I love it when fighters talk in kilograms
Why?
For real, it's feels so weird for me when I hear about pounds
@@iggmeister4137 Why "why" ?
@@iggmeister4137 because are the best units
You can see how it confuses them
Alex "I can do that for 25 rounds" Volkanovski
The man been putting in work
I noticed that too lol
I believe him
Probably could lol
Probably could lol
I love listening to Volk interviews. He's got the best attitude based on reality. Even his boasting is in earnest. He gives due respect to his opponents before he smashes them. I'm rooting for him as the underdog and suspect he's going to win.
Man both these guys are so chill and humble I don't want any of them to lose. It's actually gonna be a bit sad to have to see one of them take a loss here.
Could be a draw
Alexander "and all that type of stuff" Volkanovski
read this 1 second before he said it lmao
@@OvertimeAu Same 😂
😅
‘Things like that’ volk 😅
“At the end of the day”
Volk is just such an all around great guy. Very intelligent as well. I really hope he can pull it off and become basically the undisputed GOAT.
GSP
He cant
@@yendevus1747 you’re whole personality is a hater
lsIam picks volkswagen up like a toddIer and smashes him into the canvas out coId👍
@@JohnJohn-yp7ex GSP is up there but I think moving up a divison to beat the scariest fighter in the sport atm is bigger.
The belief this man has in himself is nothing short of insane. The work ethic he has after "reaching the top" is not something all these fighters have. Im excited to see if he can win here and reach another level people could only dream of. The task he has on Feb 12 is a massive one but if there is a man to do it its Alex "The Great"
Alex is the GOAT, he just draws fans like a magnet, great fighter and a humble person
Love his wanting to fight attitude, “aren’t getting any younger”.
Volk makes me so proud to be Aussie look up to him in all forms of life
I'm an American and I feel the same about him. Great dude
Australia is Cuckistan, but Volk is a good dude.
@@DoubtingThomas333 cuckistan? Wow, nice word play. Almost as nice as quoting yourself on your KZhead bio, some really profound stuff there. Jordan Peterson from wish
Volk has the same mindset as GSP, he hates to get humilated/ been told he can't do it and also analyzes every inch of his opponent style! This is gonna be a good one!
Gsp was juiced..
@@nikolasgarcia1868 y’all are lucky he wasn’t juiced
@@nikolasgarcia1868 GSP was most likely on EPO, not juicing. But, if you're naive enough to not realize that 95% of these guys are on some form of something, that's on you.
@@civilwarwasaninsidejob7405 literally, HOW have some people still not learnt
So much respect win or lose for this man
If Alex pulls this off, he's GOAT.
done!
1.jones 2.volk
You must be too young or casual to know about the greatest featherweight of all time. Jose Aldo.
@@pgreenx As a proud casual, all I know about him is that he was destroyed by Conor in 13 seconds. No GOAT. (It's a joke obviously.)
@@tmp7228 no Bro, no injuries, no pulling of
Humble and down to earth. Hope he pulls it off 🙏
lsIam picks volkswagen up like a toddIer and smashes him into the canvas out coId👍
@@beauaIloevv nobody cares for your opinion lol
@@beauaIloevv shut up already
@@beauaIloevv Islam has a glass jaw.
@@kylez33 ah yes you again , replying to everyone while creating a whole channeI to troll on one fighter , very impressive and you’re employed 100%
Most underrated fighter of all time. Possibly the greatest ever when he's done.
How can you possibly say he is underrated he’s the p4p no 1.
@@Ken_BJJagreed he’s not under rated. Bet def flys under the radar sometimes.
I’ve been saying this for years. When he’s done, he’ll be seen as the greatest ever.
Great interview for Alex. Some reason I have never really been that big of a fan (most his history has been against Max). This fight is huge for him. I hope he wins.
It's nice to see Alex's so very friendly humoured n his being overtly optimistic before this mega fight which could turn out to be the fight of the year. This level of optimism is understandably needed to prepare for the fight vs Islam who is taller n bigger n more favored to win the fight in a rock slide mode.
He’s already the greatest featherweight ever. If he does what he says he’s gonna do and wins the 155 belt and defends both belts, he might be the greatest fighter ever.
Naw he needs to beat cejudo
If he defends the FW belt a few times, he will be the greatest Featherweight. He's already the best considering he's beaten Aldo and Max three times, but he needs more title defenses to surpass Aldo.
He would eclipse gsp if he could defend both belts at the same time even if it’s at least once. But Jones has beaten 3 generations of fighters hard to say he’s not the greatest when he’s about to get the heavyweight strap.
@@madgavin7568 mx beat aldo on their primes and volk beat max on their prime. It`s easy to know who is the best fw of all time, just need to try to be unbiased. And my favourite is aldo, then max, then volk, but the facts are facts we like it or not
preach it brother, the casuals need to put some respect to Volks name
We are with you Volk! Australia as a whole and many others. History will be made and luckily ill be in the arena watching it all happen.
Hope yall don't be rude to Islam like what happened in Brazil recently.
@@zenzupah739 That was disgusting, but the reality is that Brazil has a track record for fans acting badly (insert link of Matt Brown punching a fan during walk out). Australia just isn't like that, I don't see it happening. That being said, I wouldn't expect the fans to be friendly to Islam before the fight but nothing out of the ordinary.
Took me sometime but he is my new favorite fighter! Great energy, super professional, always delivers in every fight. Awesome dude!
I'm super excited for this fight. Alex earned my respect the hard way. Being a Max fan. I do think Alex takes this fight. As we all know, it's a fight, anything can happen.
Absolutely, that third fight with Max made me a fan.
Yea it's hard to go against volk... but I just think Islam's style is way too much. I don't even think it will be close . I wanna see Volks post fight confrence thoe he is going to explain how it felt
Volk gonna get mauled
lsIam picks volkswagen up like a toddIer and smashes him into the canvas out coId👍
i think Volk smashes but we can never forget that Islam does have a bit of a glass chin, he's tough but he can be caught, Volk is the type of dude to upset narratives and expectations. All that being said I think islam subs Volk on the ground.
Lets go Volk, you got this.
No tf he don’t
🤣🤣🤣
I never hated Alex but his rivalry with Max always made me overlook him. Hard not to respect him now, though. Always kept his head down, stayed humble and worked hard.
this would be the one fight when I'll know I'll have regret when it's over, they are both out of this world fighters and genuinely good guys
Can't wait for this fight can go either way huge fan of both but rooting for Volk
Gotta appreciate this kid for wanting to be active and challenging himself against a difficult matchup where someone waits for an easier champ to fight in another division that could make their fight easier and favor their own style. The better man is gonna win...
He is 34 - hardly a "kid".
I wish more champs and fighters were like volk, always an exciting fighter, always is down to scrap and he’s keeping the belt busy.
U gott it right at the end …the better MAN will win ..pretty sure your not a “kid” after you become a teenager…
A 34 year-old with a wife and children is not "...this kid..." In anyone's language Volk is the definition of a man.
He's a good kid
11:29 mans got energy for 25 rounds, let's go
At fw, at lightweigjt he will get gassed in one round
@@justicelaw4498 If he's at 170 during the time of the interview, and is doing rounds. I'll doubt he'll gas in 5 rounds. Volk's stamina is insane. P4P #1 for a reason
Hats off to this guy for what he achieved in his life as well as in MMA. He is not just a good fighter but has great sense of humor and a very clever brain too. A sensible man and a sensible fighter. If Mackachev fails to beat him then he will remain unbeatable in 2k23 for sure. And if volk fails to beat islam then i can't see anyone else in this division who could take this title from him soon.. And don't worry volk, these dagestanis are warriors and warriors never make excuses...
I wish bro, Islam already made excuses for when he got KOd, he said it was a lucky punch, lol.
I'm starting to think Volkanovski will really win this fight. I want him to win but I was 50-50 prior to watching his interviews. He is in the right mindset rn. Really turned it up
His ego is big after Ortega max and the zombie but Islam is a different beast
I think he's nervous. Can hear it in his tone.
50-50? LOL - Volk is getting destroyed.
@@boomcannon08 sometimes it sounds like he's trying to convince himself. Did we get too cocky volkbros?
Do you really think he can keep Islam off of him for 5 rounds?! Islam makes the best lw look like an amateur. Islam is going to pick this guy up and make him realise why there are weightclasses and why they say him and khabib are a different breed!
Ariel acting like his money isn’t on Islam 😂😂😂
fax 😂😂
He does not like the dagestanis
@@algarcia7896 But he won’t bet against them
I think Ariel's a pretty stand up dude and is sincere in his support of whoever he supports.
@@divebobberAriel is a snake
At the end of the day, it's a fight. No weight will matter on the day of the fight, no wagers will play any part, no business will matter inside that octagon, it's gonna be no holds barred in the middle of that cage, it's gonna be a wrap. Who ever wins this fight will hold a great deal of respect in the MMA world moving forward. 👊🏼 As a fan, I'm just excited to see the two best of the best in UFC go at each other and we get to witness the best 25 minutes of this year in MMA world 🌍 come 11 Feb.
Can't wait for this fight and all that type of stuff!
This guys a great role model and champion. A great example for young and upcoming martial artists to imitate and model off
I really like Alex because he doesn't seem to be gifted anything genetically compared to most great fighters. He's an example of hard work and dedication resulting in success.
I mean he is literally built like a tank
You just took away the reason he was a fan of Volk.
He is definitely athletically gifted. Maybe his physical attributes aren't the greatest but he's definitely not your average guy athletically
@@Rocko1990 Definitely gifted athletically.One of the most gifted in the UFC.The man is a human cannonball.
It's crazy to think that Volk actually has a longer reach than Mak. That's quite an attribute, especially at his size.. he's like a lil vanilla gorrila
What a class act this dude is. I respect him, Islam, Whittaker and gsp so much
So excited to see this battle down under !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Other Fighters talking about 'fighting this year ...' ( as in fighting ONCE ) and Volk out here talking about 'I might get three or four fights in this year ...' Legend .
Yeah because no one buys his PPVs and he’s older so he wants to fight as much as possible to make money.
Islam called him out for 2 months in right after his title fight that’s a legend lol
@@D-A-N- ayee buddy...July 5th,2 days after the volk/holloway 3 card and gynosanyvs canonnier card is when VOLK called out islam and charles and asked for the winner of that😂😂volk called out islam 6 months ago mate,had to wait for his hand to heal after hollway 3 and then both islam and oliveira made weight in october.Why is the narrative getting twisted as if volk wasnt the one to call them both out??Its legit so cap😂These dagestan meateaters bro😂😂Yall gotta stop
Volk had to grow on me but boy did he. He is the definition of a monster in MMA. The speed he has at his size is not abnormal, even so he's a bit faster than that. His strength and power though... SHEEESH. You dont see that a person that size (at least height wise) every day, combine all of that with the fight IQ of a champ and you get Volk. Just so damn good man, one of a kind for sure. I dont doubt him against Islam, should be a good one!
Will always support the guy who has a Rugby background, if you've played enough Rugby and dealt with 1.The physicality and 2.Having to sometimes lose games because its a heavily team orientated sport (Which means you can be as skillful as you want, but in the end after the 80min it almost always comes down to the teams effort as a whole) Well then you can thrive in almost any sport you step foot into. Lets go Volk, my father might disown me, but sending support from South Africa 🥋🏉🥊🔥
Volk has world class confidence and skill. I am a huge Volkanovski fan and I hope he gets this done
Don’t underestimate this man. Very few fighters in the UFC can match the will and dedication of Alexander Volkanovski. Can’t wait for this true martial arts match.
Volk is just fantastic. Already was a fan but man…right on. Great interview as ALWAYS ARIEL!!
People will be saying Volk was just too small when Islam finishes him. But he want to act like Islam will come with excuses lmao
@@mitnrkan9061 volks Gunna beat him for 25 mins then knock him out in the rematch
What a well spoken /humble/respectful individual , I am impressed .
This is actually just showing how much confidence and trust Khabib have for Islam. It's like he's saying, "Islam you'll be fine without me on this fight, Alex should be no problem for you."
Let's go Volk. Legend. Brilliant interview Ariel.
Drinking game: Take a shot every time Alex says "and all that type of stuff" and "you know what I mean".
So excited to see that fight. Both really great fighters and characters!
Good luck Champ, rooting for you bro !!!
Funny thing is that Islam and coach Javier ARE NOT using khabibs absence as an excuse. This narrative has been built up by the media.
Exactly
Respect to Volk. Pulling for him.
Lets go Champ good luck man I wish u the best !
That’s so much confidence! Love Volk
He going get embarrassed 145 weak division.max got owned when he went up against soy boy Dustin lol
This fight is down the road from me, I will be there 👏🏽
the balls this guy has... admirable role model, in and out of the cage
I mean Volks balls are a weapon. It very hard to beat guys who don't want to quit. And Volk does not quit. So does Islam. We in for a real treat. I reckon its gonna be 5 rounds. I feel as if Islam will try and strike him. He's very confident, and that could be his trouble. Volkswagen is very very good at striking.
Alex only lives 20 minutes away from me. You only ever hear people say good things about the guy. Hope I meet him some day. Best of luck to him. Doing the Illawarra proud Champ!,
I remember first watching him and not giving him any respect in his first 2 fights with Max and slowly this guys is becoming my favorite fighter his confidence is insane
“Yer done! Ya had yer chance..you were stubborn about it now yer done!”
Some people say they "swim with the sharks"...no bro...Alex LITERALLY SWIMS WITH THE SHARKS. im NGL i do not have the balls to do that lol that's completely insane
Good Interview, rooting for Alex😎🤙🏾
Let’s go Alex! You got this brother
This dude is legendary no matter the outcome
Living legend
Gonna be a great fight can't wait for this one
Come on Alexander! We're rooting for you! Support from Canada!
I’d love to see volk win this one. That would be nuts
That nuts won’t be happening 💯Please chill
Hey dev u got a better chance getting pregnant than volk winning 😅
Like I said nuts won’t be happen….IslamChamp👌🏼
Love how confident he is. Im rooting for him but the odds are definitely against him
Volkanavski is without a doubt my favorite fighter. Been watching this sport for almost 15 years and he just brings something different and genuine to the table.
Dude I think he makes a solid point about narrative changing. It goes for every single fighter
This gets me excited!!! Let's go Volk! 🇦🇺🎯🔥
Love you Volk!!! Let’s gooooo!!!!!!
Bruh, Alex is legit confident in this fight.. it’s going to be a banger. I really hope he pulls it out
I'm going with Volkovnoski on this one!! He truly is on the path of Greatness
Really want him to pull it off but just can't see it, give him a 10% chance. He'd beat a good amount of lightweights in that division though
I think he has a greater chance than that. I also have Islam winning, but I will give him at least a 35% or 30% chance. He is too great to give him less.
@@luisgomez-jordanamartin4776 I'd maybe jump to 20%
Smart with good feet...and willing to win boring fight. Has great chance to frustrate islam and make him do something stupid
@@xavierb9061 hope you're right
He will get mauled like the others
Best fighter, in the UFC
He is who he is. No show, only real. Love to see it, go get 'em, Champ~
Very excited about this fight.. 😬
I want Volk win so bad he believes every word he says that is so goddamn admirable
Soon to be lightweight champ? We know who Ariel is rooting for lol
Hes just a massive kiss ass of whoever he talks to
Yeah very hypocrite 😂😂😂
Bruh what do you expect from this snake. Biggest instigator.
Alex volkanovski is a humble person we need more humble people in MMA I don't have to be a professional fighter to know how to treat people attack right there a lot of people that treat people like s*** and MMA and get away with it MMA fighters think they're so tough Alex a good fighter
It is not MMA is a is not a place to be a big bad person the treat people like crap do your job and go home fight for what's right money benefits you're all in the same boat work for the same company company again I don't have to be I don't have to be MMA fighter to know the difference between
can't wait for this fight 💪🏻
Islam will have no excuse whatsoever if he loses. Not Alex's height, not Khabib, not a lack of preparation or a bad camp, not making weight and being the bigger guy, nothing. This is a very exciting fight of toughness, fight IQ and sheer skill & will.
They never make excuses anyway. If they lose it’s allahs will(not to bring religion into this)
Let's go Volk!!!
when i was 12 yrs old i was tall...then i stopped growing. Alex your a giant sir!
Volk is such a great guy,an amazing fighter. If any other guy was the champ in LW ,i would have Volk to win ,this is a bit different but still if someone can beat Makachev thats Volk. Guy is as tough as they come,such a great fighter and i have nothing but respect for him. Wish him all the best,hope he wins.
If ever there was an underdog to support.....this is it. Love everything about this guy. Mindset, honesty, humour and as real as it gets
If Volkanovski pulls it off it will be as massive a moment as Leon knocking out Usman. Islam tbh looks invincible at the moment with his well rounded skills.
😂the disrespect Volk gets is absurd😅, people all talking like Volk is gonna be a walk over
@@leolv520 he may not be a walk over, but there's no denying that the more well rounded MMA fighter is Islam, which is what the OP stated. I disagree with Islam being "invincible" because everyone can get knocked out, but if you don't knock Islam out, I think that's a long night ahead for Volks.
@@leolv520 Who hasn’t Islam and Khabib walked over ? Besides his only loss it’s been 100% dominance of course that’s the case
@@TheDomLouis watch volks last 3 fights
@@leolv520 Volkanovski is a brilliant fighter. One of my favorites. It's just that these Dagestani wrestlers are built different than other UFC fighters. Islam is a next generation lightweight. He can strike, he can wrestle, he has the gas tank to go all 5 rounds while chain wrestling his opponent and there is the obvious size advantage. I am not even thinking about Islam's striking and I am going to assume Volk will outstrike him but his grappling bro ? He trains with olympic wrestlers like Sadulaev and Kadimagomedov ( the dude who beat Kyle Dake in the Olympics ). If he takes down Volk ( which I think he will ) how do you think the fight goes ?
Alex my dude. It’s not that we forget what you’ve accomplished it’s that you’ve never faced a foe such as this .
neither has islam
Awesome interview