Alexander Volkanovski on Upcoming Brian Ortega Fight

Episode Summary

Main Topics

In this episode, UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski dives deep into his upcoming rescheduled fight against Brian Ortega, sharing candid thoughts on their contentious relationship during their time coaching on "The Ultimate Fighter." Volkanovski reveals his severe battle with COVID-19, including training while infected and his subsequent hospitalization, which led to the initial fight postponement. The conversation also explores Volkanovski's unique mindset as a champion who thrives on proving doubters wrong, and specific, often controversial, pranks he played on Ortega during TUF, highlighting the personal animosity between the two.

Key Discussion Points

• Rivalry with Brian Ortega & Upcoming Fight: Volkanovski openly discusses his strong dislike for Brian Ortega, labeling him "fake" and "awkward" based on their interactions on "The Ultimate Fighter." He claims Ortega is "easily triggered" and suggests this vulnerability could be a strategy for their fight, which is scheduled for "early September" in the United States. Despite Ortega's impressive performance against the Korean Zombie, Volkanovski remains supremely confident in his own abilities, asserting he will be "too much" for him.
• COVID-19 Battle and Recovery: Volkanovski recounts his severe experience with COVID-19, which forced the postponement of his initial fight with Ortega. He believes he contracted the virus at the end of a demanding training camp in Las Vegas, having trained intensely for days while likely infected. His symptoms escalated from headaches to pneumonia, eventually leading to him coughing up "pinky bloody stuff" and requiring hospitalization for IV vitamins and medication like dexamethasone, noting a similar severe experience for fighter Cody Garbrandt.
• The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Experience: Volkanovski describes his approach to being a coach on the reality show, emphasizing his ability to adapt and maintain focus, even in a high-pressure environment with his opponent. He shares insights into Ortega's personality, further solidifying his view of Ortega as an "awkward" individual who became increasingly displeased with Volkanovski as the show progressed, providing fertile ground for their rivalry.
• The Featherweight Division & Underdog Mentality: Volkanovski expresses immense respect for the 145-pound featherweight division, calling it "special" due to the high level of talent and dangerous fighters. He shares his unusual motivation, admitting he loves being the "underdog" and using "doubters" as fuel, even as a reigning champion. He relishes the challenge of proving people wrong and finds joy in the intensity of top-level competition.
• Pranks and Tensions on TUF: The champion details several pranks he played on Brian Ortega during their time on TUF to provoke him. Most notably, Volkanovski admits to pretending to put Ortega's COVID oral swab "up my ass" – a prank that almost got him fired by producers due to health and safety concerns, even though it was staged. He also describes taking a photo of Ortega's car keys, pretending to steal the car, which reportedly "triggered" Ortega into threatening to fight if his vehicle was touched.

Notable Moments

• Interesting Story/Anecdote: Volkanovski recounts how he almost got fired from "The Ultimate Fighter" for a particularly audacious prank involving a fake COVID-19 swab. He describes pretending to insert Ortega's oral swab into his backside for a photo opportunity, despite warnings from producers about crossing lines with expensive medical equipment.
• Surprising Fact/Revelation: Volkanovski revealed that he trained through severe illness for days, completing "really, really solid sessions" back-to-back, while likely already infected with COVID-19. This strenuous activity during the end of his camp, combined with dieting, led to his immune system being compromised, resulting in him developing pneumonia and coughing up blood.
• Memorable Exchange: The discussion around Brian Ortega's "easily triggered" nature stands out, as Volkanovski explicitly states he might use this as a strategic advantage in their upcoming fight. He gleefully suggests that even his current comments about Ortega likely have him "boiling up," highlighting the deep psychological warfare already at play between the two fighters.

Key Takeaways

Listeners will gain a raw, unfiltered perspective on the personal animosity fueling the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega rivalry, extending beyond mere professional competition. The episode uniquely details Volkanovski's severe, life-threatening battle with COVID-19 and the impact of intense training on his recovery, offering a rare glimpse into a champion's vulnerability. Furthermore, the candid stories of "The Ultimate Fighter" pranks illustrate Volkanovski's strategic mind and willingness to provoke, providing rich context for their impending fight. This discussion highlights the mental warfare and unique pressures faced by elite MMA athletes, both inside and outside the octagon.