Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov is done chasing the prestigious championship belt following his win at UFC 333.
Alexander Volkov stopped heavyweight Rizvan Kuniev on the UFC 333 undercard last weekend in Abu Dhabi. Volkov continued his ascent up the heavyweight rankings with an impressive victory over Kuniev, as he continues to make the case for a title shot.
Volkov is vocal in his opposition to the UFC matchmakers’ decision to book Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit for the heavyweight title at UFC 334. He made his case for a title shot to UFC CEO Dana White during a surprise appearance at the UFC 333 pre-fight press conference.
Despite his repeated pleas for a heavyweight title shot, Volkov’s patience might be wearing thin.
Alexander Volkov sees himself as the uncrowned champ after UFC 333
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Volkov admitted that winning the UFC heavyweight championship is no longer a priority.
“I’m not hunting for this title and the belt. This belt doesn’t define me. I’m still a champion by myself. I understand who I am, where I am, what I can do, which guys I can beat,” Volkov said.
“The fighter who has the belt defines what the belt means…. You should have a guy who’s proved his record, who can beat everyone, who’s a real martial artist. Not just somebody who breaks the rules every fight or tries to injure his opponents. I respect everybody. I fight clean. I fight in a good way, and I’m still the best in the game.
“I don’t use any drugs. I’ve been a clean athlete all my life. I’m just a true martial artist,” Volkov continued. “If I have the belt, the fact that I’m a champion defines the belt and its value, not the opposite.”
Has Alexander Volkov done enough to earn a UFC title shot? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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