Alexander Volkanovski opens up on questioning himself amid UFC skid

It’s no secret that former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski’s combating profession has seen higher days.

Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC), not way back on a dominant title run and thought of the pound-for-pound greatest in MMA, at present finds himself on a two-fight dropping streak and 1-3 in his previous 4 fights, together with his two most up-to-date defeats coming by knockout. It’s been a giant fall for the Australian, and one which introduced many existential inquiries to his profession.

“You will ask your self like, ‘All proper, that is unfamiliar territory, an unfamiliar feeling. Have you ever misplaced it? What’s occurring? You could not need it anymore,’” Volkanovski stated in an interview with ESPN. “I used to be like, ‘No, probably not. I keep in mind that I’ve accepted that I’m having the break, however have you ever accepted that you just’re accomplished? ‘No, I haven’t. I’ll be again. I’ll flip the change, however will you flip the change?’ You understand, you ask your self these questions, however I at all times reply, ‘Calm down, when the time comes, you’ll flip the change. Don’t fear.’ However I suppose you received’t know till you resolve to do this.”

Volkanovski returns subsequent month in the principle occasion of UFC 314 in Miami as he takes on streaking contender Diego Lopes for the vacant featherweight title after Ilia Topuria determined to vacate his title in a transfer as much as 155 kilos.

Forward of the battle towards Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), Volkanovski has dialed every little thing in from weight loss plan to coaching. He’s made positive to go away little question that he’s accomplished every little thing in his energy to be prepared for UFC 314.

“There have been questions: Am I going to have the ability to flip the change? Am I going to be the identical man as soon as I flip that change?” Volkanovski stated. “We came upon early as a result of we began camp good and early that we’d. We’re kicking ass within the health club proper now. The load is forward of schedule, and we’ve nonetheless bought loads of time.”

Some assume the time has handed for Volkanovksi, who’s now 36, however he’s assured there’s loads left within the tank – sufficient for one more title reign.

“I’m going to get the belt again, I’m going to defend, and that’s simply going so as to add to my legacy and add to the story,” Volkanovski stated.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 314.