Daniel Cormier TV - Alexander Volkanovski on Diego Lopes, Topuria vacating title, Islam KO

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Alexander Volkanovski on Diego Lopes, Topuria Vacating Title, Islam KO
Release Date: April 10, 2025

---

Introduction to the Episode and Main Topics

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus centers on the highly anticipated UFC Featherweight Championship bout at UFC 314. The host engages in an in-depth conversation with Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning champion, delving into his upcoming fight against Diego Lopes, the implications of Topuria vacating the title, and the recent Islam KOs that have shaken the division. The discussion offers fans a comprehensive look into Volkanovski's mindset, strategies, and the evolving dynamics of the Featherweight division.

---

Alexander Volkanovski's Challenges and Comeback

Volkanovski opens up about his struggles during a recent hiatus from fighting. He emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining focus without the immediate goal of a title fight, likening his experience to believing in Santa Claus without evidence.

"Well, if it didn't happen in Australia, I'm starting to lose faith very quick. I'm like, it's like literally believing in Santa Claus and then your mom and dad never getting you. It's like, what you do to me."
— Alexander Volkanovski [02:57]

Despite these challenges, Volkanovski expresses unwavering confidence in his ability to bounce back and reclaim the title.

"Guys, I'll do it. We'll make it happen."
— Alexander Volkanovski [03:28]

---

Discussion on Diego Lopes

The conversation shifts to Volkanovski's upcoming fight against Diego Lopes. Volkanovski analyzes Lopes' aggressive style, noting his potential unpredictability and the risks associated with such an approach.

"He's a lot more aggressive. Like, you know, he's not as maybe calculated because he will just throw it all out there, but sometimes that can be even more dangerous because of cause of that."
— Alexander Volkanovski [14:24]

Volkanovski highlights his strategic advantage, citing his extensive experience in title fights as a key factor in managing Lopes' aggression.

"The experience is going to help me more to be more composed. And, you know, everyone knows I'm pretty composed. I can stick to a game plan, you know, strategy and stuff like that."
— Alexander Volkanovski [16:12]

---

Topuria Vacating the Title

The episode addresses Topuria's decision to vacate the Featherweight title, exploring the ramifications for the division. Volkanovski discusses how this move affects his path to regaining the championship and the overall competitive landscape.

"Ilya is that dangerous. The only way I see even Islam losing is someone catching him. Same with myself. So it's definitely a fun fight."
— Alexander Volkanovski [20:18]

The host and Volkanovski contemplate the strategic maneuvers fighters might employ in response to Topuria's departure, emphasizing the increased opportunities and challenges it presents.

---

Islam KOs and Their Implications

The discussion turns to the recent knockouts delivered by Islam in the division, analyzing their impact on Volkanovski's strategies and his upcoming fight.

"If he wants to change his game and want to out strategize me, it's gonna end even worse for him."
— Alexander Volkanovski [15:25]

Volkanovski underscores the unpredictability Islam brings into the mix, stressing the importance of composure and experience to navigate these volatile matchups.

---

Experience vs. Youth in UFC

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the age and experience gap between Volkanovski and his opponents. At 36 years old, Volkanovski reflects on how his extensive experience in title fights gives him an edge over younger, less seasoned fighters like Lopes.

"But the experience is going to help me more to be more composed. And, you know, everyone knows I'm pretty composed. I can stick to a game plan, you know, strategy and stuff like that."
— Alexander Volkanovski [16:12]

Volkanovski reiterates that while younger fighters bring energy and unpredictability, his seasoned approach allows him to adapt and maintain control throughout the fight.

---

Legacy and Future Plans

Volkanovski contemplates his legacy within the UFC, expressing a desire to solidify his place among the greatest champions by reclaiming the Featherweight title. He acknowledges the importance of this next title reign in defining his career.

"This is my story right here. This is my legacy. I feel like this is the big part of my legacy, this next chunk."
— Alexander Volkanovski [17:45]

He emphasizes his readiness to prove himself not only to the world but also to the younger generation of fighters, underscoring his commitment to excellence and perseverance.

---

Final Remarks

As the episode concludes, Volkanovski maintains a confident outlook on his upcoming fight, reiterating his preparedness and strategic approach to overcoming his opponents. The host encourages listeners to support the fight and stay tuned for more insights in future episodes.

"Go to ESPN plus, hit that pay per view buy button and watch my man try to become a champ again. Vote. Thanks again, my brother. Until next time, guys. Peace."
— Alexander Volkanovski [21:10]

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Volkanovski on Struggles During Hiatus:
  "It's like literally believing in Santa Claus and then your mom and dad never getting you." [02:57]

• Commitment to Fight:
  "Guys, I'll do it. We'll make it happen." [03:28]

• Analysis of Diego Lopes' Aggression:
  "He's a lot more aggressive. Like, you know, he's not as maybe calculated because he will just throw it all out there." [14:24]

• Importance of Experience:
  "The experience is going to help me more to be more composed." [16:12]

• Legacy Statement:
  "This is my story right here. This is my legacy." [17:45]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides a deep dive into Alexander Volkanovski's strategic mindset as he prepares for a pivotal fight against Diego Lopes. Through candid discussions on challenges, strategies, and legacy, listeners gain valuable insights into what it takes to compete at the highest levels of the UFC. Volkanovski's reflections on experience, resilience, and ambition highlight his determination to reclaim and solidify his status as one of the sport's elite champions.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker (Dutch Vet Service)]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swearbinks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swearbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swearbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swearbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colleen Witt]

Are you hungry? Colleen Witt here. And Eating While Broke is back for season four Every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network this season we've got a legendary lineup serving up broke dishes and even better stories. On the menu. We have Tony Baker, Nick Cannon, Melissa Ford, October London and Carrie Harper. Howie Turning Big Macs into big Moves. Catch Eating While Broke every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network. IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts. Wherever you get your favorite shows, come hungry for season four, the Volume.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

You are one of the greatest champions of all time and sadly, you act like it because I messaged you. I have messaged you so many times asking to cook because I went to. I went to Australia.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

What are you messaging me on?

[Alexander Volkanovski]

I'm messaging. Well, first off, I messaged your number. I messaged your number from the UFC thing that we were all on a group message when you did the weigh in show. No response. First off, I got green bubbles. First off, I got. Hey. First off, I got green bubbles. So he must have me blocked. He must, like, block me immediately once he realized I had his number. And then I messaged him on Instagram.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

I don't believe it. Let's go check right now.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

No, you don't need to. You don't need to.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

I knew it.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Huh?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

I knew it.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

No, I have. But it's like, we're supposed to cook.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

We were. Because I remember we said I would try and tear up a day, so I did. Like, we're going to try. It didn't happen, but I didn't get messages.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

I constantly message you, man. So I want to be able to say, like, I cooked with Alexander Volkanovsky.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

We're not going to do it. It will happen.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Well, if it didn't happen in Australia, I'm starting to lose faith very quick. I'm like. It's like. It's like literally believing in Santa Claus and then your mom and dad never getting you. It's like, what you do to me.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

I'm not. I'm telling you.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

We'll make it happen.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

We'll make it happen.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

All right, man. Guys, I'll do it.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Even five week I've been cooking for everyone at the house and everything. Anyone.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

I'm holding them to this.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

That's what. That's what type of guy I am, you know? Alexander, can't wait. I'll still cook your feet.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Alexander the Great Volkanovski checking in with me again, as always on fight week. How's it feel, man, back here? Just honestly, it has to. It's. It's a comfortable position. Right. So few get to live in this place that you have lived in so long that I was fortunate enough to live in, where every fight is a title fight. Every fight matters. How does it feel to be back in this environment? Because it really does wake you up, doesn't it?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, it definitely. I mean, it's the biggest break I've had. Right. But for some reason, it just doesn't feel like that long. I don't know why it is. Maybe because I've done, you know, some of the fight weeks, you know, as a guest, I don't know what it is. It just doesn't feel like it was that long ago. So it's like. It's cool. It feels great. I feel good. I'm like, really just ready, like, every other. Every other time. So it's. It's weird. So as you said, maybe it is because of so many title fights, and I've been in this position so many times that I'm just, yeah, comfortable with it.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

In this time away, did you take note of the career at all? I know you're taking time to spend with the family. You're working on your skills and your, Your, Your abilities, but did you ever take note and go, man, I know I was good, but this shit has been better than I could have even imagined. I mean, you're fighting in your 10th straight title fight. Like, not many people get to do that.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, you're right. To be honest, through the break, I didn't really think of any of that too much, really. I was able to just sort of, I guess, just focus what's in front of me, you know, like family, friends and myself and then. But thinking ahead, right. I'm just. I guess I was just looking at what I can still add to that. Yeah, that's sort of what I've more focused on. Like, it's weird. Like, I will appreciate it. Like, I know I will. Especially from that time that break off, like. Like, I was able to grow so much and really appreciate everything, but I just haven't been able to focus on that because I think I still know there's more.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

There's more to add.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

There's more to add then I know. I think I'm going to be able to just enjoy the whole thing overall. But right now it's all about the comeback. So I guess that's sort of just where my head's more at. Myself, family come back, then I guess I'll be able to really appreciate everything else. I appreciate what it's given me. Like, that's what I'm appreciating, like, you know, the farm, you know, position. I am, like, very blessed, very, very happy where we are, but I guess I haven't really looked back at the legacy or so much.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

When you do it, it's a great legacy, dude. Like, when you look back, you're gonna be like, holy shit. It's been amazing to watch, honestly. So you pulled the curtain back for us a while back, and when you pulled the curtain back talking about I need to be doing this, it made everybody start talking about all these things, about how a great champion can truly open up himself, let you guys inside to know that, man, this is me. And without this at times, I struggle. Over the course of this last year, how have you dealt with that? Right when you couldn't? It was hard for you to deal with that for a few months. How have you dealt with that over the course of all this time that you've been away.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Exactly. So it's going to be pretty confusing, right, because everyone's like, well, how has he done this big break? Or how is he gonna do it? When I said I was gonna have a bit of a break, he's like, wait, you struggle with this. What do you mean? But it was different back then. I was. I was fully committed to my training schedule, to fighting. I had a responsibility as a champion. You know what I mean? I had to go. So when I would wait for fights, I just. I couldn't be myself.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

You know what I mean? I was very high. What am I doing in the gym? Because I was still spending, like, I'm not at home. I'm still fully committed to training. And then when I felt like there was no purpose, no goal or a title fight or something, I was just going through the motions. I spend more hours in the gym, out of camp than I do in the camp. So that's what people don't realize. I'm doing anywhere from three to four sessions a day out of camp. In camp, you know, we cut that down to maybe two or three. So the intensity goes up.

[Nate Thompson]

Right.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

So you're spending more hours. So you can imagine if you're fully committed to that and your training schedule, you're living life around a training schedule. It's very busy. It doesn't leave her much time for anything. And then you're. All that time and commitment in the training is like, you know, what am I doing here? Like, what do you know what I mean? Like, fair enough. When you're trying to build yourself. But it gets to a point where I'm like, I need fights and purpose. It's hard for me to, you know, you want that drive to be better, but it gets to a point where it's like, you know, do I want to be spending so many months just working myself get me a fight? You're. Let me have a real. You know, it's hard to explain. So that was tough, and I didn't understand it. I didn't get it. I didn't get any of that. So I just felt it very hard. But when I was able to, you know, after the losses and I made, I accepted the fact that I'm going to have a break. So it was a decision I made, and I accepted it. And I was able to just separate and leave fighting behind for a minute and just work on myself and then live life around the training schedule, which I haven't done. For 13, 14 years.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

I was able to grow so much and I loved it. Absolutely. You know, a lot of people, you know, if I was explaining and they didn't hear what I just sort of said before this, I'd be like, wait, wait. You struggle not fighting, you know, but it was great. I started getting to a point like, am I going to want to get back to training?

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Then I'd have to have them do a little battles, man. Relax, man. Just enjoy it. When the time comes, you'll flip the switch and you'll be ready. So that's sort of where we're at. But it was a. It was great, mate. I grew so much during that time. It was unreal. I really loved it.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

And so. And you started doing more TV stuff.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, so a lot more with us.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

YouTube, you remember you busted your ass on the. You broke your ass. How the hell did you break your ass break dancing on the weigh in show?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

I don't know, but I think it was a hit. Yeah, my ass hit me and started clicking. I'm like, well, I don't think you.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Got way too crazy. We're like, ah, this is not good. It was. It got scary because we, like, want to mess around on the show, but we don't want to hurt a Alexander Volkanovsky when he comes on the show. You get back healthy, you're still committed to this time away. Abu Dhabi. Ilya Taporia knocks out Max Holloway, which was very surprising to me. I don't know if it was surprising to you watching it, but then you come inside the octagon and it seems like all systems go. It's you and Ilya again. Very respectful. What was the process after that day? Because sure, he'll need time, right? He'll need time to recover, get ready to go. But what's the process for you when you leave Abu Dhabi after watching that?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Well, then I've got a clear next fight. It might not be anytime soon, but let's start flipping that switch. Yeah, so I'm flipping that switch and I'm ready. So then I'm going through the motions. Purpose, you know, we're training for Ilya. Then it got to a point where a lot of people are gonna. You're probably gonna ask me, it's like, you know, how was it going from ili and then finding out it's Diego, obviously you want that win back through that process of me being like, all right, I'm chewing out the bit to get back in there now.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

And that was dragging on because I didn't know when he was fighting, he's talking about moving up, so. Got to a point.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Was that frustrating for you?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Well, it was just like, I want to fight. It got to a point where I'm like, all right. Like, you know, I'm not gonna rush him into anything. Maybe I just do an interim. Yeah, you know what I mean? I'll just do an interim and fight him later, because I don't want to wait around that, because now I'm back in that mindset of let's go, you know, ready to go. So it got to a point where I was like, this is dragging on now. I don't really care who it is. I just want to fight. And then you heard him talk about moving up, and then I got told it was Diego. I didn't know it was for the vacant belt. I didn't know he was. Ilya was committing to the lightweight, but at that stage, I'm like, all right, sweet, whatever. Like, yeah, so I'm okay with that. And then I found out through Dana White's live that it was for the vacant belt and that he's committing to moving up, which caught me by surprise.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

It's actually kind of crazy that you found that out, too, there.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

I mean, maybe they didn't know till they told me it was Diego. They probably still didn't know exactly what.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Ilya was going to do.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

It was a couple weeks there until I found out, but Tulu did the live feed, but, yeah, it was. Yeah, that was a little bit surprising to me. But at that point, get me in there. Were you surprised I got the next best thing. Sorry to cut you off. I got the next best thing. I wanted Ilya. I wanted that win back, and I wanted to still prove myself, not only to get that win back and against Ilya, but to the younger generation, Right?

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yes.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

So the new school, I wanted to prove that to them. I still get that, you know, in Lopez, you know, he's a young guy coming through, so I still. And for the vacant belt. So it's the next best thing.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

That's what I was going to say to you. You're a guy that's been at the top of the game for a long time. Look, man, sometimes things go sideways, and honestly, you fought two of the top three pompom guys in the world and lost fights. Is it hard to hear guys like Chael and I, the other day, we're talking, and it's like, is this Alexander Volkanovsky's last chance? Like, it almost feels as Though you almost get pushed into a do or die, right? When it doesn't feel like in your mind this is do or die.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, well, to me it doesn't, but. And I've always wanted to be the underdog. I love being the underdog, right. And I've always found ways to, even if I was favourite, look at ways of being the underdog and still try and, you know, be a little bit, you know, chip on your shoulders. Like, oh, this guy's saying this. Cause I wanted to use that as fuel, right. With this one, I don't need to like, everyone has every right to think that I'm done. Like they're gonna think that I'm coming off two losses. Big break. 36 years old, he's done and dusted. I'm like, I'm fine with everyone thinking that because I get to prove my point this weekend. I get to prove it to myself and I get to prove it to the world. I still know I'm that guy. Right. I'm gonna prove it this weekend. But it's weird, I don't have a chip on my shoulder now because I expect people to think that and if they're not, alright, fair enough. But, you know, and there are people that don't think that, but there are going to be a lot of people that do and I'm okay with that.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Talk to me about Diego Lopez though. Two years, fights a vloev short notice, fights competitive, but gets beat, goes on his win streak now, I mean, fought 145, 55 and 65 all in one weekend against Dan Ige. But the fight was competitive, call it what it is. Then he beats on Brian Ortega and he beat Brian Ortega pretty good. What do you make of Diego Lopez? And when you watch him as a smart guy that's seen it all, that's been in there with the best, where does he stack up to some of the guys that you've been in the octagon with.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, but just dangerous, right? Like, and I always talk about this and I bring it up a few times that, you know, I find it hard for people to like, you know, beat me 25 minutes. Right. Like, is someone going to go there and out strategize me for 20 minutes? I think that's going to be.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

You get better as it goes long.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah. And just I think everyone's best bet is catching me. Right. And I don't mean that it's only a lucky shot. Like obviously people can set it up and, you know, do things like that. But I Feel like that's the only way I see myself losing. But then you get dangerous guys like your Lopez. Yo. Rodriguez was another one that I talked about. And I was talking about he's the most dangerous guy because so unpredictable and I need to be careful. And it's going to be the same with Diego in a sense where he's a lot more aggressive. Like, you know, he's not as maybe calculated because he will just throw it all out there, but sometimes that can be even more dangerous because of cause of that. If that makes sense. Yeah, it does. The thing is, obviously, it leaves a lot of opportunity for me to capitalize, but as I was just saying that if he wants to change his game and want to out strategize me, it's gonna end even worse for him. I think his best bet is to be reckless.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

You know, is to go out there and, you know, adjust fire and just try and find the shot. Can I capitalize on that and hurt him? Yeah, 100%, but I think that's his best bet, and that's why it's. That's what's gonna happen. He's gonna come to me like that 100%. If he doesn't, that's even worse for him. So I'm expecting him to come down to the base. If not, that'll be even easier. And he's, you know, he's the same on the sort of ground where he's probably more calculated on the ground than he is on the feet, but very dangerous and very aggressive as well with his submissions.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Absolutely. And young, but not only young in the ufc, having only two years of experience. Think about this vocal. You are in your 10th title fight main event. He's had none. How big of a factor will the experience be come Saturday night?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, well, that's the massive thing, but I don't think that plays. I think that's going to help me more to be more composed. And, you know, everyone knows I'm pretty composed. I can stick to a game plan, you know, strategy and stuff like that. So that experience is going to help me through this process. But for him, he needs to be reckless.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah, but what happens if he is reckless and it doesn't work and you're still there in round three and four and five, where he's never been.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

But I mean, if this wasn't a title fight as well, I think he's struggling there anyway, you know what I mean? Because of his style. So I don't think it's plays too much on his end on my end, I think I can benefit from the experience. For him, I don't think it plays too much of a factor. Does that make sense?

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah, it does. I get what you're saying.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah. Because for him, because he has to.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Fight in one style.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

He fights like you would think if someone lost their composure in a title fight, that's what it's going to look like, but that's how he fights. You know what I mean? And that's why it's exciting, because he. He will risk it all, you know, for to land that shot. He's gonna very risky type fight, especially on the feet. And I'm expecting that to come on Saturday night. So I need to be weary, I need to be composed, I need to be experienced.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

And that's what you're gonna see.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

You become the champ again. What does that mean to you? Because there's have to be days where you go, God dang, man. I'm as far away from this belt as I've ever been, even when I started, right. And I'm one, and knowing the UFC 2, and I've never been this far away from this championship. You become a champ Saturday, like, what does that mean to Alexander Volkanovski?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Means everything right now. I think it's the biggest part of my story because I'm, you know, But I don't feel like it's that far. I feel like it is just around the corner and it's just on Saturday night.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Well, now it is. Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

For sure. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. So I feel like it's weird, like, there's a confidence in me that, like, I'm already like, this, the next title reign, you know, I'm thinking of this next title reign. Like, it means so much. This is how. This is the. This is my story right here. This is my legacy. I feel like this is the big part of my legacy, this next chunk. Even though, you know, I've done great things, as you talked about, you know, I'm going to appreciate all that, but this is just going to be what separates you from. From so many, you know, so that's this next title reign, especially at the age and people want to throw over 35, cursing. I'm 36 years old, coming to knockouts, you can name that curse.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Nobody's wondering.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, even. No one's come back from, no one's won an undisputed title. I just heard this coming off two losses or two knockouts and stuff like that. So there's a whole heap of reasons why this Win. And this comeback is going to be massive.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

I know one dude that won one off of a loss, me, because they just gave me that bitch back. I got beaten. They just said, hey, man, you still the champ? And then I won the next fight. It can happen, bro. It really can't. Really quick, before I let you go one, were you surprised that Topuri was able to get Holloway out of there?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, I was surprised because of Holloway's chin. But I knew if there's someone that does catch it and that could, you know, really test that it is someone like Ilya. I knew it be sort of how it was where, you know, Max was still making a half for him, but I thought Ilya did better as well. I was good. I just thought it would have went that little bit longer and that's where you would have seen Max really start to do his thing. But Ilya has that power and that's, you know, with like Islam, you know, he's going to move up. People want to count him out. I'm like, I'm telling you, like, he's just as dangerous as anybody, you know, because of, you know, he's going to look for that chin and he's going to. If he touches it.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Well, we saw Islam get knocked out before.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, and Ilya, if anyone contests that chin again, it's Ilya as well. So you got to. I think that fight will happen.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

That's what I was going to say. Do you think he gets a title fight and like, do you think he actually beats Mahaja?

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

The fact that he vacated because you fought them both. Yeah, well, that's it, right? Like people can ask, you fought them both. What do you think? I mean, it's pretty simple. If anyone looking at it, Ilia is that dangerous. The only way I see even Islam losing is someone catching him. Same with myself.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

So, but who's got the best chance of doing that? Someone like Ilya. Yeah, so it's definitely a fun fight. I think, look, if it goes 25 minutes, it's all Islam, but there's a good chance Ilia can catch him because he's, you know, he's obviously got that very tidy boxer. Them earlier rounds, you know, I think his takedown defense might help him a bit. And, you know, but them later rounds, you know what, I thought he would struggle with Max, but he was able to put him out before then. Would be the same case with Islam.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

I always like to pick his brain about those things because this guy's one of the best analysts in the game outside of one of the best fighters in the game. Thank you for checking in with me again, Volk. Hey, you know what's always funny, guys? I get these guys on these check ins and then you get the champions. And he's got a more expensive cologne and he's got an AP watch. I mean, these dudes are rich.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

These dudes.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Hey, let me tell you something.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Hublot. Hublot.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Hublot. Hublot.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

Sorry. Yes.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

Yeah, he's got a hublot watch. A beautiful Hublot. I got a golf one. But the champions got more expensive cologne and they've got nicer watches. This dude right here is just way too rich. Guys, go tap into Alexander Volkanovski. Sign up for his YouTube channel, like and subscribe there. Also, tell your friends to like and subscribe here because I'm checking in the guys like Alexander Volkanovsky who challenges are actually fights for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship this weekend at UFC314. Go to ESPN plus, hit that pay per view buy button and watch my man try to become a champ again. Vote. Thanks again, my brother. Until next time, guys. Peace.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Julie Swearbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julius Rippinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swearbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swearbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swearbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colleen Witt]

Are you hungry? Colleen Witt here. And Eating While Broke is back for season four every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network. This season we've got a legendary lineup serving up broke dishes and even better stories. On the menu we have Tony Baker, Nick Cannon, Melissa Ford, October London and Carrie Harper. How turning Big Macs into big moves. Catch eating while broke every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network iHeartRadio app Apple Podcasts Wherever you get your favorite shows, come hungry for Season four.

[Unknown Speaker (Dutch Vet Service)]

I'm Israel Gutierrez and I'm hosting a new podcast, Dub Dynasty, the story of how the Golden State warriors have dominated the NBA for over a decade.

[Alexander Volkanovski]

The Golden State warriors once again are NBA champions today.

[Unknown Speaker (Dutch Vet Service)]

The warriors dynasty remains alive in large part because of a scrawny 6 foot 2 hooper who everyone seems to love.

[Unknown Speaker (UFC Fighter)]

For what Steph has done for the game. He's certainly on that Mount Rushmore.

[Unknown Speaker (Dutch Vet Service)]

Come revisit this magical warriors ride. Listen to Dub Dynasty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.