Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Reveals a ‘Depressing’ Incident That Almost Led to the Retirement of “The Great”

UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski squares off against another champion, Islam Makhachev, at UFC 284. While the exciting matchup is nearing closer, the exchange between the two training camps grows more volatile. The fans eagerly wait for the blockbuster bout between the champs. Despite the concerns regarding ‘The Great’ moving up and fighting a dominant champion, the featherweight champion looks to cement his legacy. Surprisingly, the Aussie might never have fought in UFC as he once contemplated ‘chucking it in’ after an incident that cost him his UFC debut, as revealed by his coach.

In an interview with Submission Radio, Volkanovski‘s coach, Joe Lopez recalled the hard time the duo shared. In addition, the noted coach detailed the encounter at UFC 284, the Australian fighter’s advantages over his opponent, and the anecdotes from his own as well as his disciple’s life.

Alexander Volkanovski, and what could have been his UFC debut

In the same segment, Lopez revealed the incident that took before UFC Brisbane, in March 2016. Lopez recalled the fight card was headlined by Mark Hunt. Also, the Australian FC had an event the day before and, after due consideration, the camp decided to take the AFC fight against Jamie Mullarkey.

However, the camp remained hopeful of someone getting hurt on the UFC card or getting a call so that the Wollongong-born fighter could be substituted into the card.

And, indeed, one of the guys got hurt. However, there was a management company that wanted to manage the 34-year-old, but Lopez and the camp turned it down.

Although the company pressed that Volkanovski had signed to fight, the camp denied signing a contract. Lopez also admitted he made it clear to the promoter that if UFC were going to call up, the 25-1 record holder, who was then AFC champion, was all for it.

Read More: Alexander Volkanovski Approves Rival Conor McGregor’s Advise Ahead of Double Champ Move Against Islam Makhachev Possibly at UFC 284

But, unfortunately, the management company maintained that Volkanovski signed somewhere else to fight. And, as a result, the UFC ended up putting another fighter on the card.

Volkanovski thinks of chucking it away

The featherweight kingpin, therefore, missed his spot on the card. Thus, Lopez said, “And Alex, you know, I guess we’re anybody. You get depressed and you know, he thought about chucking it in.”

“Alex lost that opportunity and you know, I guess anybody would be, you know. I was pissed off. Alex is pretty heartbroken, you know. This was our chance to get in,” he later on added.

Eventually, Volkanovski made his UFC debut against Yusuke Kasuya in the November of the same year. Connecting a statement win with a KO, he then announced himself on the big stage.

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What do you think of this heartbreaking incident about Alex Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments below.