Alexander Volkanovski, despite his initial appearance, retains a formidable punch. He launched his career in the semi-professional Rugby League, where reports indicated his weight reached approximately 214 lbs. This figure astounds, considering that Jon Jones, for the majority of his career, competed in the 205 lbs weight class, and Volkanovski exceeded that weight!
Recently, an online video surfaced featuring Volkanovski grappling with NBA player Jamal Murray. The video unmistakably showcased the stark size contrast between the two athletes. Nevertheless, Volkanovski demonstrated that the theory that “weight classes exist for a reason” crumbles when it comes to ‘The Great.’
Fans react to Alexander Volkanovski dismantling NBA star
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The video, originally shared on Volkanovski’s YouTube channel, showcased Murray, the Denver Nuggets guard, attempting to withstand Volkanovski’s submission attempts for a minute.
Despite Murray’s valiant efforts, the video highlighted Volkanovski’s ability to maneuver the larger opponent seemingly at will. Although Murray defended against a rear-naked choke, he ultimately succumbed to a guillotine choke. Interestingly, in the replay at the end of the video, Murray tapped out after the clock ran out, technically meaning he won.
Alex Volkanovski tried to submit NBA player Jamal Murray in 60 secondspic.twitter.com/Sd8iMuXZOI
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 28, 2023
Fans responded to the clip with good-natured jests and admiration for Volkanovski’s skill and willingness to grapple with such a size disparity.
Bradley Martyn, a podcaster and influencer who has been in the news for his controversial challenges to professional fighters was referenced in a tongue-in-cheek manner by many.
@BradleyMartyn when he finds out Jamal Murray is 215 lbs
"But i'm 260" pic.twitter.com/zrVrBgqD4Q
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 28, 2023
If Jamal Murray did this to Volk in 60 seconds, imagine what Bradley Martyn can do to the poor chap. He’s 260lbs.
— M. Lowrey (@M_Lowreyy) September 29, 2023
Fans also reacted humorously to the absurd size difference on display.
Love this. He's so big Volk couldn't even wrap the body triangle lol
— ingy (@ingy421) September 28, 2023
Many fans pointed out that even though Volkanovski was going easy, Murray displayed skills that indicated that he had prior experience in grappling.
He’s not really trying. Plenty of loose limbs to be had. Murray rolls though, you can tell.
— Josh Chavis (@JoshChavis65) September 28, 2023
Jamal Murray been doing jits for a couple years. Key piece here
— A dog name dash (@Adognamedash1) September 28, 2023
You can tell Jamal trains… he’s pretty good
— BEARS OWN VIKINGS (@IshJitSu) September 28, 2023
While others took humorous jabs at Nicky Rod, a jiu-jitsu competitor for his performance at ADCC.
Lasted longer than nickyrod did against Gordon at ADCC
— gwink (@ishaonkick) September 28, 2023
The fans’ reactions to the video range from humor and speculation about the potential outcomes of different matchups to admiration for Jamal Murray’s grappling skills and experience. Fans responded to the clip with good-natured jests and admiration for Volkanovski’s skill and willingness to grapple with such a size disparity.
What’s next for ‘The Great’
As for Volkanovski’s fighting career, he recently hinted at a return to the Octagon in January 2024. His last fight took place at UFC 290 in July, where he faced emerging talent Yair Rodriguez, securing a victory by punches in the third round, adding another successful title defense to his record.
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Before the Rodriguez match, Volkanovski ventured into the lightweight division to take on another dominant force in the UFC, Islam Makhachev, in a highly competitive bout that saw Makhachev emerging victorious by decision.
Volkanovski now sets his sights on defending his featherweight title once more in the coming year, with Illia Topuria emerging as a potential contender after his dominant win against Josh Emmet. Volkanovski dropped a cryptic message on his Twitter/X account, suggesting January as a potential date for his next fight.
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While the UFC has yet to confirm his next opponent, fans eagerly await the return of Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski to the Octagon, eager to witness his continued reign as the featherweight champion!
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