UFC 294 didn’t go Alexander Volkanovski’s way.
The UFC Featherweight champion returned to the peak of the Lightweight division for the second time in 2023 in an attempt to dethrone the reigning kingpin, Islam Makhachev. Unfortunately for “The Great,” the sequel was nowhere near as close as the first.
Volkanovski took Makhachev the distance at UFC 284 in February 2023, resulting in a unanimous decision loss (watch highlights) that many argued he should have won. In the rematch, Makhachev made quick work of his rival, finishing Volkanovski with a head kick and punches (watch highlights) just over three minutes into their main event at UFC 294 this past weekend (Oct. 21, 2023). Afterward, Volkanovski shocked the media, sharing he’d been dealing with some darker thoughts before the fight and how he needs to stay active not to “do my head in.” The sentiment rang reminiscent of Heavyweight boxing champion, Tyson Fury, who has been open about his mental struggles in the past.
“I have been in that situation all year,” Fury told The Mac Life. “I’ve not boxed since last year, early December of ‘22. There was a lot of uncertainty if I’d even box again. Then right out of the blue, all of this has come, and here we are. I’ve got not one, but two fights lined up.
“What I’d say to Alexander is keep going,” he added. “He’s a very good professional athlete. You win some, you lose some, dust yourself off and get back in there and kick ass.”
Fury, like Volkanovski, is at the top of his sport as one of the very best in the world and holds a perfect professional record in the ring (33-0-1). “The Gypsy King” returns to action against former UFC Heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this weekend (Sat., Oct. 28, 2023).