Alexander Volkov Recalls Bizarre Dana White Moment At UFC 333 Presser With A Surprising Admission

Alexander Volkov says Dana White failed to recognize him© AFP

Alexander Volkov has explained why he walked into the UFC 333 press conference like a regular fan and posed a question to Dana White. The heavyweight contender says he was left off the lineup again, so he found another way in. White later claimed he was playing along. Volkov is not buying it. The Russian opened up on The Ariel Helwani Show this week, and he made an admission about the title picture few expected from a fighter ranked this high.

Why Does Alexander Volkov Think Dana White Missed Who He Was?

Alexander Volkov was missing from the UFC 333 press conference lineup, even though his fight with Rizvan Kuniev was on the main card. It was the same story as the last three fights. So he went in with the crowd.

Volkov told Helwani how it worked. “I just go through the regular fan gate in the stadium. I just go in like regular fans, start taking pictures with them, go into the line (with media), and just have some questions for fighters and Dana White,” he said.

He asked UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for advice first, then turned to White. Volkanovski told White several times who was at the microphone. White has since said he knew all along. Volkov disagrees, though he says it is fine.

“Of course, he didn't recognize me,” Volkov said. “First of all, I am a Russian fighter. I'm not even sure he can remember my name. And I bet every time he hears my name, he thinks they're talking about Alexander Volkanovski.”

Is Volkov Still Chasing The UFC Heavyweight Title?

The joke had a serious point behind it. Volkov wanted to know what it takes to earn a title shot. White pointed him to Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard, and Volkov says that settled nothing. “I'm asking, ‘What should I do? What am I supposed to do to get a title fight?' And they don't have this answer.”

Then came the admission. “I'm not hunting for this title and the belt. This belt doesn't define me. I'm still a champion by myself.”

The stance fits earlier comments from the Russian, who said the heavyweight belt had lost its meaning before the Kuniev fight. He pointed to the matchup between champion Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit, set for next month at UFC 334.

The 38-year-old beat Kuniev by unanimous decision for a third straight win and moved to No. 2 in the rankings. He has won seven of his last eight UFC fights, with the lone loss coming against Gane by split decision. Still, Volkov feels the fans are with him. “But people know, and everyone knows, and I feel the support that I should be the next,” he said.