Alexander Volkanovski recognises he was "gloating too much" by talking to Islam Makhachev's corner during their UFC title fight.
Makhachev spoiled Volkanovski's hopes of becoming a double-champ as the Russian defended his lightweight belt by unanimous decision this past weekend in Perth, Australia. Featherweight titleholder Volkanovski was moving up to lightweight for the first time in his UFC career and was unbeaten in 22 fights heading into the fight.
Volkanovski was gaining confidence as the fight went on and started to speak with Makhachev's corner in the fourth round, but paid the price for losing focus as the champion took him down and controlled him for the rest of the round. Volkanovski reflected on the mistake he made and admitted he was being "silly" by winding up Makhachev's team.