Alex Volkanovski On UFC 251: I Don’t Think It’s A Good Idea For Me

In the last month, we have seen the entire world of sport come to a standstill, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The UFC has done everything it can to push on with their shows. But despite their best efforts, three of their events have been postponed and UFC 249 hangs in the balance. UFC 251 may be two months away but UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski has practically ruled himself out of competing on the card.

Although nothing had been made official, it was expected that Volkanovski would defend his title against Max Holloway in the main event of the Perth card. Speaking to ESPN, the UFC 145lbs champion said that he thinks he’s going to be on lockdown for the foreseeable future.

“We’d (Volkanovski and his coach Joe Lopez) come from America, and even though the [self-quarantine] rule wasn’t in yet, we decided to not train with others; so we just trained with each other, we just hit pads and were doing whatever we could.

“We didn’t go and do any strength and conditioning at the other place (gym); I’m trying to take all the precautions I can because coming from America they were saying you were higher risk. So even though we didn’t have to [self-quarantine], we thought it was best to do that. And we’ve been doing that ever since. We’re just adapting to this situation right now, and I think we’re going to be stuck at home soon, so I’m getting my home workouts prepared.”

Looking ahead to UFC 251, Volkanovski as good as ruled himself out of fighting on the card, stating that coming back from injury, combined with the restrictions the global pandemic would have on his training camp, wouldn’t be a smart move.

“To be honest with you, nothing was signed; nothing was locked in. Everything was pointing towards Perth, but we’re still not sure whether it’s going to go ahead or whether it’s not.

“But I’m in a weird position where I’m being quarantined; not being able to train properly; not being able to get over to New Zealand … so are we still going to be doing that card? I just don’t think that’s a good idea for me, especially coming off a broken hand. For me to try and overcome an injury and then go into a camp, and not be fully prepared in the camp, it’s not a good idea. So I don’t think the Perth card will go ahead, but if it does I don’t know the chances of me being on it.”

News also broke this week that Valentina Shevchenko, who was scheduled to defend her flyweight title against Joanne Calderwood in the co-main event, has been forced out due to injury.

Do you think the UFC should postpone UFC 251 and Alex Volkanovski vs Max Holloway?


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