Published 01/26/2023, 2:30 PM EST
Alexander Volkanovski is undoubtedly an incredible fighter. However, not a lot of people are aware that ‘The Great’ is actually a huge fan of the ‘Rocky’ movie series. In all the movies, ‘Rocky’, the protagonist is a professional fighter. The courageous boxer takes on different opponents. Several of them are bigger or conventionally stronger than him. However, his confidence and courage to fight all of them remain iconic after all these years. Volkanovski actually relates to these movies pretty deeply. The reason is his life narrative that remains pretty similar to the concept that the movies follow.
In a recent interview with Israel Adesanya’s brother, exclusively on the YouTube channel of the Nigerian-born fighter, Alexander Volkanovski was featured ahead of his UFC 284 main event fight with a popular opponent. In the event, Volkanovski will be going up against the Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. The host, David Adesanya, asked the Featherweight champion a number of questions during the interview. When asked about his interest in the ‘Rocky’ movies, he opened up greatly. In fact, the Australian fighter shares publicly that this fandom is what inspired his upcoming fight against Makhachev.
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Is ‘Rocky’ movie really about Alexander Volkanovski?
As soon as David Adesanya asks the 34-year-old fighter whether he has seen all the ‘Rocky’ movies or not, he made sure to react with a positive response. Volkanovski remembers being a fan of the series. It must be a strong feeling for the UFC champion to be living what he once found to be an attractive profession.
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia taunts Brian Ortega in between rounds during their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
David goes on to appreciate the boldness shown by Volkanovski by saying, “you’re actually going up against the odds… It’s like déjà vu sort of thing.” The champion then went on to agree with the interviewer humbly while praising Islam Makhachev’s fighting skills. He also agreed with the statement made by David about relating to ‘Rocky’s character and story. “yeah it is! Especially for this one.”
“That’s what fires me up,” added ‘The Great’.
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Volkanovski is ready for his UFC 284 bout!
The fighter seems as prepared as ever. Everything he says is with pure confidence. Volkanovski believes that his training and fighting skills will get the best of Makhachev. In fact, he challenges all the devoted Islam Makhachev fans: “It’s a Rocky story, right? I’m cool to go with that narrative, but as I’ve said before, don’t change it.”
Watch this story:- Alexander Volkanovski’s body transformation over the years
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According to Alexander Volkanovski, nothing will get him angrier than people changing their opinions about the Russian fighter after the featherweight champion is declared a winner at UFC 284. “You guys think he’s invincible? Remember that when I get my hand raised,” declared Volkanovski.
How do you think the war between the two will pan out? Let us know in the comments below.