UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has opened up about his struggle with alcohol addiction prior to his fight against Islam Makhachev. In a recent revelation, Volkanovski shared details about his daily routine leading up to the match, shedding light on the challenges faced by professional athletes on a daily basis.
The Australian fighter candidly discussed his emotional state and lack of preparation before his rematch with Makhachev. He highlighted the mental toll that comes with competing at the highest level, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle even during periods of inactivity.
Volkanovski’s decision to speak out serves as a reminder of the hardships endured by sportsmen. The physical demands of training, injuries, and surgeries can sometimes lead athletes to self-doubt and unhealthy coping mechanisms, as exemplified by Volkanovski’s reliance on alcohol during his downtime.
Islam Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the top fighters in the UFC, having only lost three fights. Given Makhachev’s impressive record, Volkanovski’s decision to accept the fight on short notice was a significant challenge. Reflecting on the match, Volkanovski’s admission about his alcohol consumption may stem from a desire to acknowledge his own shortcomings and improve moving forward.
Volkanovski is set to defend his title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. The rivalry between the two fighters has become personal, sparked by Topuria’s arrogant comments about knocking out Volkanovski in the first round. Volkanovski aims to humiliate Topuria after successfully defending his title, considering the Spaniard’s claim of being the UFC World Champion as delusional.
Fight fans eagerly await the upcoming featherweight title clash, curious to see if Volkanovski will maintain his dominance in the division or if Topuria will become the newest contender for the throne.