Alexander Volkanovski's coach says he is not in top half for talent
Alexander Volkanovski's coach credits the champion's success to hard work rather than natural ability, and says athletes widely seen as elite pale in comparison to the 38-year-old.
Alexander Volkanovski would not rank among the more naturally gifted half of the athletes his coach has worked with, the coach said.
The coach said Volkanovski is nowhere near the most talented athletes he has been involved with and does not reach the halfway mark. In his view, hard work, commitment, dedication and a desire to improve will outwork and beat talent every day. He added that he has seen athletes the world regards as great and elite, and that they are not like Volkanovski and pale in comparison to him.
Volkanovski, 38, is in his second reign as champion. He lost by knockout to Ilia Topuria, then beat Diego Lopes for the vacant title after Topuria left the division, and beat Lopes again in a rematch.
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