Alexander Volkov poses as a UFC rookie to ask Dana White how he can get a title shot

The heavyweight, who fights Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 on Saturday, also asked Alexander Volkanovski for advice at the press conference in Abu Dhabi.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 15:45 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Alexander Volkov at the floor microphone at the UFC 333 press conference in Abu Dhabi — Photo: UFC

Alexander Volkov played the part of a UFC newcomer at the UFC 333 pre-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, taking the floor microphone to ask Dana White what he needed to do to become a champion.

"I'm just starting in the UFC... what should I do to become a UFC champion?" Volkov asked.

White, playing along, asked how many fights he had. Volkov settled on 51 in total and 20 in the UFC, and told White he was 38. "Yeah, I was going to say, you're not 28... What are you looking for? What do you need, sir? How can we help you?" White said.

"I want to become a UFC champion," Volkov replied. "So what should I do to get a title shot?" White sent him to the UFC's matchmakers.

Volkov had started with Alexander Volkanovski, introducing himself as "Alexander Volk". "I look like you. So you're kind of my idol... what advice would you give me?" he asked. "I reckon you're doing a great job," Volkanovski said. "You look beautiful."

Volkov faces Rizvan Kuniev on the UFC 333 card on Saturday 24 October at the Etihad Arena, where Volkanovski defends the featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in the main event. Full timings are on our UFC 333 UK start time page.

In this story

Alexander Volkov Rizvan Kuniev Alexander Volkanovski Movsar Evloev