Alexander Volkov says he is no longer hunting the UFC heavyweight title

The No. 2 heavyweight has won seven of his last eight fights and fought in seven UFC main events without ever getting a title shot.

Alexander Volkov says he has stopped chasing the UFC heavyweight title, telling The Ariel Helwani Show that the belt does not define him.

"I'm not hunting for this title and the belt," Volkov said. "This belt doesn't define me. I'm still a champion by myself. I understand who I am, where I am, what I can do, which guys I can beat. The fighter who has the belt defines what the belt means."

The Russian has fought 20 times in the UFC since signing in 2016, seven of them main events, and has won seven of his last eight without a title shot. The latest was a unanimous decision over Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, where he went in ranked No. 2 at heavyweight. He then used his octagon interview to ask Dana White what he needs to do for a title shot.

He also described who he thinks should hold the belt. "You should have a guy who's proved his record, who can beat everyone, who's a real martial artist," he said. "Not just somebody who breaks the rules every fight or tries to injure his opponents."

"I respect everybody. I fight clean. I fight in a good way, and I'm still the best in the game. I don't use any drugs. I've been a clean athlete all my life. I'm just a true martial artist," he added.

"If I have the belt, the fact that I'm a champion defines the belt and its value, not the opposite."

Ciryl Gane, who beat Volkov on a split decision, defends the title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14. Volkov has questioned what Gane's belt means and said title shots are now handed out for fame.

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