Alexander Volkov Expresses Disgust at Tai Tuivasa’s Infamous Shoey & Drops a Grim Fate for UFC 293 Rival

The UFC has seen many unique celebrations in its history. From Tito Ortiz digging a grave, Justin Gaethje‘s cage flip, BJ Penn’s infamous blood lick, to Israel Adesanya taunting Alex Pereira‘s kids, the UFC has seen it all.

But, perhaps the most unique post-fight celebration is Aussie heavyweight Tai Tuivasa‘s remarkable victory ritual called the ‘shoey’. It is an Australian celebration ritual that involves drinking beer or another alcoholic beverage from their own or someone else’s worn shoe. And his upcoming opponent, Alexander Volkov, is down to have a beer with the Aussie, with just one caveat, he has said in the first official UFC Vlog for UFC 293.

Alexander Volkov talks about Tai Tuivasa fight at UFC 293

This Sunday, #9 ranked heavyweight Alexander Volkov will take on #6 ranked Tai Tuivasa at UFC 293 in Australia on the card headlined by the middleweight title bout between champion Israel Adesanya and #6 ranked middleweight Sean Strickland. In the vlog, the Russian was confident of victory over the Samoan-Aussie, and was hoping for an early finish. He did, however, commend his upcoming opponent’s punching power and revealed that he had stepped up his training to meet the challenge. He was also ready to have a drink with Tuivasa, just not from a shoe.

“Tai is a pretty nice man. As a fighter he is dangerous. He has really hard punches. I have much more against him in the fight. Much more technique, much more everything. I’m looking for an early finish in this fight, maybe first or second round. For sure after fight, we can drink some beer with him but not from a shoe, please,” Volkov said.

Volkov and Tuivasa take on each other this week

The two will face each other in the Octagon at UFC 293 on September 10. While Volkov has a clear height and reach advantage over Tuivasa, as well as much more professional fighting experience, the latter’s immense power is a great equalizer. The Australian would be looking to snap his two-fight losing streak that came at the hands of Sergei Pavlovich and Ciryl Gane.

Read More – Israel Adesanya’s Upcoming Fight: Is the UFC MW Champion Going to Face Sean Strickland at UFC 293 After Dricus du Plessis Bout Cancellation?

On the other hand, Volkov comes into the fight with two victories on the trot over Romanov and Rozenstruik. And in a heavyweight division that does not have a lot of big names at the moment, a dominant performance could see the winner inch closer to a title shot. What are your predictions for UFC 293? Let us know in the comments section below.

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