"Concussed" Alexander Volkanovski urged to “humble himself and heal his brain” instead of rushing Ilia Topuria fight at UFC 297

In the aftermath of his devastating KO loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294, an emotional Alexander Volkanovski shared that he struggles when not fighting and needs to keep busy.

However, former division champion Henry Cejudo has raised concerns that Volkanovski may have inadvertently exposed himself while opening up about his mental health struggles.

As 'The Great' gears up for the expected defense of his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 297 in January 2024, 'Triple C' advises caution. Appearing in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, he said:

“If I’m Ilia Topuria on the flip side, you know what I’m thinking? I have to pick a fight with him... I have to get him to fight me on January 20 because the simple fact that he’s concussed. He’s concussed, it’s not the same Alexander Volkanovski that was out here finishing all these opponents… he’s not the same guy."

He continued:

“If I’m Alexander Volkanovski on the flip side, you know what I’m doing? I gotta humble myself... I gotta allow my brain to heal for the next six months. I’ve been concussed. Being concussed or going through a knockout, it takes you a minute for you to really kind of start walking that straight line. So, there’s two sides. Volk, take your damn time. I wouldn’t necessarily be in a rush. You’re gonna have to humble yourself. Yeah, I’m saying humble yourself because it shouldn’t be about ego or pride. It should be about winning.”

Check out the video below (1:54 mark):

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Alexander Volkanovski receives advice from Islam Makhachev to prioritize rest and recovery

Alexander Volkanovski's head-kick knockout at the hands of Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 has elicited a chorus of voices advocating for his well-being.

While Volkanovski had expressed his desire for a swift return against Ilia Topuria in January, Makhachev is also recommending a more cautious approach.

During the post-fight conference at UFC 294, the lightweight champion stated:

“He has a big cut on his eye, and he missed a very good kick, and that’s why he has to take some rest. Hundred percent... If he’s smart, if his team’s smart, he has to take a couple months’ rest, because this is not me choking him, or a body kick. This is a head kick, and not just his coaches, his doctor and his team has to make the decision.”

Check out Islam Makhachev's advice for Alexander Volkanovski below (3:57 mark):