The Daniel Cormier Show - Alexander Volkanovski on FINISHING Movsar Evloev for title, Islam Cooking w/ Volk?!

0:01 The Volume. Daniel! So many!

0:12 What's up, guys?

0:13 Welcome to a brand new episode of the Daniel Cormier Show, brought to you by Total Wireless, the official mobile service provider of the UFC. Real UFC fans need unlimited 5G data that won't tap out.

0:23 Real fans need real unlimited. Today, I am joined by one of the.

0:28 Greatest featherweights, if not the greatest featherweight champion the UFC has ever seen. He has defended the belt on so many occasions, a two-time champ. Hey, recently a movie star. The one and only Alexander the Great Volkanovski. How you doing, man? I'm doing really well.

0:44 Hey, bro, that movie. I saw it just the other day.

0:46 Oh, you did watch it? It was good.

0:47 Oh, nice.

0:48 Did you enjoy that process? I loved it. I loved it. It was a good experience. You know, when it... I've done skits before and done a few things like that, but never at that level. It was very, very high production. Got to meet 50 Cent and got to meet everyone, which was pretty cool. But yeah, I was very happy with the film. I actually loved it. It was funny because I had to... like the character that I played, because I went Aussie, I was asking, I'm like, do I do American accent or Aussie accent? They're like, oh, can you do American? I go, I can, but I wouldn't mind making him Aussie. But he goes, oh, can you make him like real bogan Aussie? Like, I mean, like over the top. Yeah. Like, you know, pretty much

1:28 how you... You guys think that, you know, American... Australian people sound, yeah. So I was like, oh, yeah, I can do that. So I was just very over the top, but I enjoyed it. It was so fun.

1:37 How long was the process for you? And, like, how long were you on set doing your part?

1:44 Because you were.

1:45 in it quite a bit you were in the movie quite a bit well.

1:47 It was only one day of actually filming really one day of filming but there's the makeup and the getting the hair right and then just you know all that sort of stuff trying to find the exact look so most of the days that I was there was just doing that but the actual filming was just one day it was a smaller part because I needed a fight that was before I fought in Sydney and it was always just going to be a small part that we could play because we didn't have much time but like I said it was a great experience we loved.

2:13 It Islam saw you with the yellow hair and he lost his mind.

2:16 Two threes. He said you need.

2:19 To go to Dagestan after having hair like that.

2:21 That's insane. It's funny because we chatted. I don't know if you've seen. We did have a chat. I interviewed him before his fight. And we've organized... like, you know, when it's all said and done because I'm, you know, we can't be doing that sort of stuff while we're still fighting. Well, for me anyway, to go travel for two, three weeks. But I said, I'm going to come to Dagestan.

2:43 We'll do a cooking with Volk. And I said, oh, you know, maybe two free days, not two free years. Yeah, no. No, no, it's not enough. Two, three weeks. I was like, well, if it's two, three weeks, that's going to have to wait because I don't like being away from the field that long.

2:53 But I mean, for something like that, I'll definitely do. You know what's the funniest thing? I'm watching the show and the Street Fighter... The movie's great. The character's great. The acting is great. There is massive people. And you literally could just beat the shit out of everybody on the set.

3:11 It's the craziest thing, right?

3:13 Like you're playing this character and it's almost you get to the finals without having to actually fight. But you are the toughest guy on the set because you are the UFC featherweight champion, which is why we are here. as you get ready to defend the championship again against Mulsar Vloyev. What's the feeling like coming back to Abu Dhabi for another UFC championship fight?

3:34 Yeah, man, it's always good here. You get welcomes. It's so welcoming here. Always looking after us, get the treatment. So it's always good to be here. Obviously, the last one I had a bad experience, but I don't look at it that way. You know what I mean? A lot of people are like, oh, you know, last time you went there, some people might look into that sort of stuff. But for me.

3:54 They woke you up in the morning though, right?

3:55 Well, yeah.

3:56 Well, that's another battle. You had to go pee, right? They woke you up in the morning.

4:00 You know about that? Yeah, they woke you up. That was the one before. That wasn't the last one. That was the one before.

4:04 The second fight with Max.

4:05 Wake you up. Yeah, yeah. That was a bit crazy. But anyway, you're having that luck. So there's been some bad experiences. But other than that, the love and that that I get here, it's always a good time.

4:16 But how do you say a lot of people look into that, you know, the bad experience with the Holloway situation?

4:23 The last time, like you said. How do you not play into that, though?

4:27 How do you make sure your mind is such a steel trap that you look past that and go, these are all coincidences?

4:32 Yeah, I look at it like real reasons to why those... Francis was really mad when he fought....

4:39 Was it Anthony Joshua in the Middle East? He was really mad about his situation. But tell me how you, again, the coincidences.

4:47 I mean, for me, my loss to Islam had nothing to do with me being in Abu Dhabi. No, for sure. You're fighting the best fighter in the world on 11 days notice. You know what I mean? There's so many other things. That's how I look at it. That's the reason why you're losing. Not because... of anything right and you got caught like it's a so that's why when people want to you know I'm not I'm not one to what is it when the superstitions and all that superstitions yeah I mean you might do some here and there but I never really fall into that because at the end of the day.

5:22 It's a your actions have to I'm super I'm crazy superstitious though like Louisiana I was insane about it I'm going to crumble you with things if you forgot something if you forgot your pair of undies let me tell you something I would get to the arena and place my stuff the way that it was every time. And if someone moved it from my sneakers, I'd flip the fuck out.

5:43 Okay.

5:43 Where the fuck is my stuff? It's like losing my shit.

5:47 Put it back. Okay.

5:48 But again, it's not like if I went to the fight, I'd be like, oh my God, I'm going to lose because I didn't have my sneakers where they were supposed to be.

5:55 Would you let that crumble you? Would you end up being like, oh no, is that going to get in your head? Or you're going to eventually, all right, well, I forgot that.

6:02 I have to work through it.

6:03 Who cares? I've got a job to do.

6:03 I've got a job to do.

6:04 Exactly. I've even got some things that I did, and I've always done that. I don't really do them too much anymore, but there's times where you forget them, but then you're just like, again, a big part of that mental is just to be like, well, that don't really matter. Yeah. I've got a job to do, and it's me and my head is what really going to get me through this. Yeah.

6:22 Not me wearing these. particular undies. Yeah, for sure. You know what I mean? So, yeah, that's just how I go about it. But we all do have our superstitions. We all do them. Like, I still do them as well. And I don't believe in them, but I do them.

6:35 My 15-year-old son, speaking about that 11 days, I just put over his bed.

6:40 It's called The Man in the Arena, right?

6:43 When I think back to that, right, and I think this is probably one of the best things I've ever read.

6:49 And it's partly because when he says, don't feel bad for me, feel bad for the person that never takes the chance. That's probably like you took the chance.

6:59 Right.

7:00 Ultimately, it didn't work out, but it doesn't matter. You took the chance.

7:03 And there are a lot of people in this world that will not be willing to take the chance this weekend. Obviously, there's another chance and opportunity. For greatness. But you did it in a way that most people wouldn't. You were calling. You became his biggest advocate.

7:20 Evloyov. 20-0.

7:21 10-0 in the UFC. Most people don't want to fight him. But you were calling for him to earn that title opportunity. What went into that?

7:33 I just... you know, a pretty easy champ to understand. It's just, if you deserve it and you're the guy, that's who I want to fight. You know what I mean? And it's a responsibility. I've said this before, like as a champion, I feel it's a responsibility to fight the best. At the end of the day, You know, there is a ranking system and, you know, it's always been the best by the best. I know things are starting to change and there's a lot more to entertainment. I get that.

7:59 But I still want to hold.

8:00 At its core. Yeah. I mean, so I'm still, I still understand that it's entertainment. That's why, you know, I fought Lopez. We even did the rematch. I understand you're going to see me still do that. But I'm always going to try and bring it back and try and make sure that I'm fighting the best and the guys that deserve it. I don't care how tough they are.

8:21 I don't care if they're a bad matchup for me or whatever. None of that matters. They deserve it. They should get it. That's just how it is. And I'm proud that that's who I am. And yeah, so I was pretty much his biggest advocate. And I still am. I'm like, you know, some people, I mean, it's weird. Some people are doubting him, but then some aren't because I think I'm the underdog on some of this. Really? Yeah, which I'm stoked about. I love being an underdog, but that's cool. But yeah, so I was his biggest advocate.

8:50 Part of it.

8:50 Before you touched on... the taking the chances thing. Yep, yep, yep. So that guy that took that chance against Islam is the same guy that takes his chance every single day. You know what I mean? He challenges himself and he'll take the risks needed to put himself in a better position.

9:07 To try and do something great. And I'm always that guy.

9:10 So that's why, and I'm thankful that I've been that guy because I wouldn't be where I am if I wasn't.

9:14 So that's why....

9:17 Taking the risk of being that person, don't always expect a good result. There's going to be times you're going to get a bad result, but you taking that chance is only going to make you stronger and going to put you in a better position for whether you do get it or you don't get it anyway. Like, so that's just how I've always been and how I always will be. And, uh, I think that's a great mindset to have just in general through life. Yeah.

9:41 So, um, yeah, that's the best. I think that, I don't know if you've read it, but go read it.

9:47 I haven't.

9:47 It's just called the man in the arena.

9:49 It is.

9:49 I mean, honestly, it's, it's, it's what you seem to live your life by. And obviously what I lived my life by in competition, because, you dare greatly with the hope that you accomplish something exceptional.

10:04 Yep.

10:05 But if you don't, at least you stepped on the line. There are so many people.

10:09 He said something about a cold, dark soul that never got the opportunity to get that feeling that we get when you stand in that cage.

10:16 Because, boy, that's a feeling, right?

10:18 When you stand on the verge of something that is absolutely great. When you look at Avloyev, right, so many talk about his style of fighting, and obviously that.

10:27 Is why he did not earn his title opportunity earlier.

10:33 He's won 10 fights in the UFC, but they have all been by decision. Some big names recently have come out and spoken against Avloyev. Jose Aldo said, I'd wait for him to lose so I could cut him. Jose Aldo said that publicly. Demetrius Johnson was against his style and the way that he fights because it's not entertaining enough.

10:53 But you recognize the challenge. How has your preparation been for that particular challenge?

10:58 Because while it.

10:59 Might be the most fan and eye appealing, it's a very difficult style to fight and prepare for.

11:06 Yeah, it is definitely. But I mean, if some people say his fights were boring before, I get it. Sweet. But what I love about this fight, and I guess, as you said, I've been advocating for it and I still am. Like, that's why I'm the perfect fighter for this anyway.

11:24 To make him fight.

11:25 You ain't holding me down and, yeah, wrestling and taking me down, holding me down for rounds. No, that ain't happening. I ain't going to let that happen. And that can't happen. So it's going to be, there's going to be, if there is takedowns, it's going to be good scrambles. It's going to be exciting. And then he's going to be forced to see how his hands go. And we haven't seen too much of his hands. So let's see how good it is. It's maybe better than what people think.

11:48 He just hasn't had to rely on it. I'm going to make sure he needs to rely on it. So he will have to rely on his striking because he's going to understand that he might get a takedown, but it's only going to tire him out. I'm only going to get straight back up and straight back in his face. And he knows it's going to be more detrimental to him.

12:07 So he's going to have to, you know, rather than panic shoot, it's going to be panic punch. Let's see how dangerous he is there. I'm going to respect that as well. But that's how I believe this fight's going to go. I think he ain't going to be as successful as he probably plans on being. which is going to be exciting for the fans. And yeah, I think the fans will be in for a treat for this one.

12:26 I believe I get to finish as well. So I know I've said that in plenty of fights, but I really do say it.

12:31 Do you think that the fight, especially fight one with Islam, prepares you for this type of style?

12:37 Because even in that fifth round.

12:39 While Islam was able to secure takedowns early, like you said, he wasn't able to keep you there. And then by the end of the fight, you were the one in control with your own takedown. And especially this kid, the guy has not made championship weight before. It's the first time he's ever done that. Five-round fight against one of the greatest champions of all time. Do you think that you could take from those experiences and apply them to this fight that you have this weekend?

13:01 Of course, of course. That camp I did for Islam and then the fight itself, that just carries over every camp after that. So now, like, you know, that's just, like, and I'm just getting better and better in those positions now, like, I'm getting better and better at that and getting more comfortable and more confident. So that's the thing as well.

13:21 So people are like, I don't know how he, you know, for him, like, it must be, obviously, you've got to be delusional in this sport anyway, so he's probably not looking into it, but I'm not going to stress out. I'm not going to panic. If you're trying to wrestle and grapple me, I could literally do that with a smile on my face. There's no knock to him. It's just that's not painful for me. It's not fatiguing for me.

13:52 It's nothing like that. If he's hanging on to me and he's been successful... I'm cruising. I'm cruising. I'm going to make you work. If you are holding me down, you are working to hold me down. And I'm going to be smiling as I slowly peel you off. And I guess, you know, we know how good Islam is. And I was still able to do that with someone like him. So that's... And that's just how it's going to be. Again, that's why just for myself, it's like I'm even... Even if he is successful, I'm like... Him being successful still doesn't work for him. Like, I mean, that's like, all right, you've got to take down. And you are holding me down for that little bit longer than, you know, I expected. But I'm just looking at that

14:34 as just his cast tank's just going to go. You know, I'm just going to be smaller. Like, every time he's holding and just trying to hold, I'm getting even more, like, fresh. You know what I mean? I'm getting more energy back because I honestly look at that as– Like, it's pretty easy. Like, that's like an easy sort of training for me. Doing the takedowns, being very, you know, scrambling and trying to really be explosive. Finish in control. Yes. Finish in control.

15:01 Train wrestling and doing all this and doing all that. That's all right. That's where I might feel it more. You want to hang on to me?

15:07 Okay.

15:07 I mean, I'm going to get my oxygen in. I'm going to make you work. And then... I'm going to get back up. You're going to be like, shit, was that worth it? You know what I mean? And my face is going to show you, no, it wasn't. I'm going to be right back in your face with a smile on my face.

15:23 When we were at the fight in Australia, man, that place went crazy. When your music hit the speakers. Honestly, I watch your walkout just because I like to experience it again. And you're smiling. You're like smiling as you're walking to the octagon. Do you still feel any pressure like going into these fights? I mean, every fight means everything, right?

15:46 Because you're always in title fights. But it just seems like you've learned how to deal with the pressure that comes with these fights.

15:54 Do you still feel it? Yeah, that's what it is. Dealing with it. There's always going to be pressure. There's going to be a lot of pressure. But even if there's a lot of pressure in camp and injuries and whatnot, there's so much pressure. Once you start going, there's like, I've got a job to do. Now all I'm focusing on is what problems need to be solved. So all that other stuff is just, you know, that's useless information.

16:18 Right now, like even if you do are carrying injuries and all that, it's like not, oh, what about this? What about that? No, it's like, what can I do? And that's all I'm going to focus on. So I'm so good at just dealing with that. And now I can walk out and just, you know, deal with what's in front of me. Because I used to, when I used to do the workouts, I used to be like, oh, try and keep yourself composed and all that, let the energy flow. Now I'm like, oh, I need to get that.

16:42 I want to grab as much energy as I can, work the crowd because I feel like I can stay so composed as soon as I get back in there. All right, what job do I got to do? I got to do this, this, this, this, this, and that's all I got to focus on. And I get almost a bit of a tunnel vision. So it's pretty cool.

16:57 But on my walkout, I really do get to enjoy it now. And there's no pressure. Even if there was, there's no pressure. I'm going in there and I'm just enjoying it. And, all right, I'm walking, so I'm focusing on that and enjoying that. Then I get in that octagon, and then it's like, all right, what do I need to do? Yeah. And that's all I focus on. I've learned to just deal with that. So the pressure is always there. So after the fight, you feel the relief. Yeah, you feel great. But somehow I don't feel it while I'm in there. Yeah. You know what I mean? Like I'm able to just put that aside. and then just do my thing. And then I guess, I mean, you are probably still carrying that weight, trying to deflect that pressure,

17:38 deflect all these other things, right? So maybe that's the, oh, I don't need to try. That's why you do that afterwards. Yeah, I don't need to shield anything off anymore. Don't need to shield the emotions. Don't need to shield anything. You know what I mean? I can just let it all go, cry if you want, laugh if you want, feel the pressure if you want, whatever it is, which is always the best feeling, right? Yeah. Yeah.

17:58 Last one.

18:00 You do so much outside of fighting now as a champion, as a star in our sport.

18:06 I mean, you're cooking with Vogue series is insane. Obviously, you're acting.

18:09 We still need to do it.

18:10 We still need to do it, right? You've been promising me one for a while. I can't wait to do it.

18:15 You know what? We're doing an actual challenge. It's tonight. We're doing that, huh? We're doing a challenge tonight, but it's hot. Are you good with spice? I am the best with spice. Oh, you really?

18:25 But I'm like insanely spicy shit. But Volk, you know what's the craziest thing? I'm probably going to be sleeping.

18:32 I'm over here.

18:33 Trying to act like I just got this jet lag figured out.

18:36 I mean, I'm saying it wouldn't be able to happen, but we are doing it.

18:39 Do the power slap, people. Get the power slap guys to do it.

18:42 And do what? Like do a challenge?

18:44 Eat the hot shit. Just make it super hot.

18:46 I mean, they'll do it 100%.

18:47 If you power slap, you definitely can eat.

18:49 Some hot shit, right? They'll take on anything like that for sure. They might like pain, you know what I mean? So they'll be like, oh, yeah, I love a challenge as well. I can't eat it because, you know, dieting. I don't think that's going to do well. But, yeah. Everything's just been awesome. It's been, I mean, it's... everything's unreal.

19:08 Especially with our weight, this is the leanest I've ever been, the lightest I've ever been. I mean, I'm just cruising through fire week. It's just chill. Everything is, I'm really, really, I really enjoy it. Very appreciative of the position I'm in. Because it's not just fire week that I can appreciate.

19:23 Everything else, I mean, I'm treated, everyone's got I get so much respect from everyone, the UFC workers, security, fighters. Everyone's looking after me. You know what I mean? It's just I get a lot of love from everyone, and I think I'm starting to really, even though it's always been there, I'm starting to notice it more and really appreciate it, and the fight week's just been incredible.

19:46 Well, it's because you are a champion. You're a guy that's a legend, and you're still walking up. amongst your peers. as the champion today, and that's why people appreciate you, man. It's always good when the good things happen to good people, and you are one of the good people.

19:58 Thank you.

19:59 I appreciate it. Congratulations on everything.

20:00 Thank you.

20:00 Guys, Alexander Volkanovski defends his championship again this weekend against Mozart Vloyev. This guy is one of the best that we've ever seen inside the octagon and one of the best people that I know outside of the octagon. Go tap into everything he's doing and make sure you watch Cooking with Volk.

20:14 And, hey, your.

20:15 YouTube channel is absolutely.

20:17 Sick, too. Yeah, it's going good. Killing it, man.

20:19 Doing good.

20:20 Your breakdowns.

20:20 Your breakdowns are sick, man.

20:22 Congratulations on everything. Great job with that, actually. It's unreal.

20:25 Make sure you guys watch this weekend, Paramount Plus, the great Alexander Volkanovsky.

20:29 Until next time, peace.