Alexander Volkanovski appreciates fan support after admitting mental struggles at UFC 294: “It’s good for awareness”

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has broken his silence after his loss to Islam Makhachev.

On Saturday night, ‘The Great’ returned on less than two weeks’ notice to headline UFC 294. There, Alexander Volkanovski moved up to lightweight for yet another clash with Islam Makhachev. In February, the two put on one of the best fights of the year, with the Russian retaining his gold by unanimous decision.

However, the scorecards weren’t needed over the weekend. In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Mkahachev handed Alexander Volkanovski a first-round knockout loss. Following the defeat, he admitted that he had been struggling mentally in the months prior to the bout.

Since Alexander Volkanovski’s admission on Saturday, he’s recieved a groundswell of fan support. Now, on his YouTube channel, ‘The Great’ has reacted to some of that fan support. First, he noted that he was okay after his knockout loss to Islam Makhachev. Secondly, he stated that he was glad that fans got to see that side of him, and that tough conversations like that need to be had.

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“I’m fine,” Alexander Volkanovski stated to fans on his YouTube channel following his loss to Islam Makhachev. “I’m sort of glad you guys got to see that raw emotion, and we do touch on the mental side of things when it comes to everyone, not just fighting. Athletes, men, and anyone in general. I think, the awareness, it’s good for awareness. These are conversations that people should be having.”

He continued, “But I do want to clear the air. I was struggling the last few months, the newborn, surgery, not being in the gym as much as I would like. Again, just trying to be the best father I can be… Sometimes you can put a bit of pressure because I know I need to make the most of my prime. Who knows [how long I will fight], my days are numbered.”

“… I just want everyone to know, it was more timing and that’s why you saw me a little more vulnerable in the press conference after being knocked out, and having that situation. But I do think we should talk about these things because I know a lot of people do battle these.”

What do you make of these comments from Alexander Volkanovski? Do you think he should return in January?