Alexander Volkanovski reveals drinking habits prior to Islam Makhachev rematch

By Harry Kettle - February 7, 2024

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has revealed the nature of his drinking habits prior to his rematch against Islam Makhachev.

Alex Volkanovski

At UFC 298, Alexander Volkanovski returns to defend his belt against rising star Ilia Topuria. It comes just months after his short notice rematch against Islam Makhachev, which he lost via brutal head kick KO.

Volkanovski aims to get back on track by defending the strap at 145 pounds. However, between the knockout loss, his age and the rise of Topuria, many are concerned.

RELATED: Ilia Topuria shares bold first-round prediction for UFC 298 title fight with Alexander Volkanovski

In a recent interview, ‘The Great’ spoke candidly about what he was doing in the days and weeks before taking the Makhachev rematch.

Volkanovski’s revelation

“It was like a little kick up arse for me – I wasn’t disciplined,” Volkanovski said regarding his second defeat to Makhachev. “I’m known for being disciplined all year round, 24/7 and I just wasn’t that time. I was really disappointed. I was more upset with who I was in the previous months leading up to that. To be honest, it made it a little easier because it snapped me out of it. It snapped me out of it. I was drinking every day for like three or four weeks.

“Honestly, that’s unheard of for me. Like (drinking) every day. I’ve never, ever done that. But I was like, ‘Ah, I’m not training much,’ and the surgery and just trying to help around the house I was like, ‘All right, I’ll have a couple of drinks here, they’ll go down good,’ you know what I mean? It was going down too good. Every day I went to cans with the fam and come back and even then I was like, ‘Man, this has to stop.’ I was saying that even the day I before I got the call. I was (183 pounds) that day. I went to my strength and conditioning coach, and we did some tests and I stood on the scale, and I was 83 (kilograms). All the boys in the gym were laughing. I’ve never been that heavy.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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Alex Volkanovski Islam Makhachev UFC