Alexander Volkanovski has shed further light into his frustration and emotional state that made headlines following his knockout loss to Islam Makhachev.
A lot was made of Volkanovski’s post-fight press conference at UFC 294 in October, when he broke down in front of the media and got opened up on his defeat and struggles with inactivity. During an interview with FREESTYLEBENDER, Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) revealed he was drinking alcohol every day prior to getting the call to rematch Makhachev on just 12 days’ notice.
The Australian, who said he’s not a daily drinker, was caught with his guard down after he was a few months removed from defending his UFC featherweight title vs. Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in July, and was recovering from a hand surgery. Not being ready to fully seize the opportunity of a rematch with Makhachev, who first beat him in a controversial decision at UFC 284 in February 2023, is something that bothers Volkanovski to this day.
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