Alexander Volkanovski has reminisced over a remarkable moment he managed to get through a choke that looked certain to put him to sleep.
On Saturday evening, at UFC 313, inside the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, USA, ‘The Great’ will go to war with Diego Lopes for the featherweight throne.
In a crazy journey, Volkanovski has gone from being a rugby league star, to an MMA legend. And now, he’ll look to write the next chapter of his magnificent story.
Thus far, his book features many a crazy tale, but there’s one anecdote in particular that stands out from the pack.
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Alexander Volkanovski was nearly choked out by Brian Ortega
At UFC 266, on September 25, 2021, Alexander Volkanovski defended his 145-pound throne against Brian Ortega.
The fight made for an exhilarating watch, with the Australian utilizing his superior skills on the feet to get the better of the striking exchanges.
However, in the third round, disaster struck, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt dropped the champion and quickly pounced, locking in a tight guillotine.
It became clear that Volkanovski was in serious trouble, with the legend somehow managing to remain conscious in a moment that’s gone down in UFC history.
In an interview with Impaulsive, the MMA star reminisced: “I was like, ‘Oh f—, I’m in the choke’, and then I’m doing what I need to do, pushing on his hips. I was trying to change the mechanics of it, to give me the oxygen, and it wasn’t working.
“Then, I’m just like, ‘Well, I’m gonna keep trying’. I was sitting there thinking this, and then the lights started dimming. It was like a movie.
“At one stage, I was thinking, ‘There’s no f—— way he’s taking this belt away from my family’.
“It was either his arms are going to gas out, or I die. Then, I just felt him getting that little bit weaker. He obviously started gassing, and then the lights started coming back and we got out.
“I just remember straight away, most people would be like, ‘Oh f—, give me a second’ But I’m like, ‘I’m going to get up and punch you in the f—— head, so hard’.”
While Volkanovski had survived, he wasn’t out of the woods, as Ortega had a few more tricks up his sleeve, almost securing the submission via triangle.
In a testament to his unrivaled fighting spirit, the Aussie once again navigated his way through the adversity, en route to winning a unanimous decision.
Alexander Volkanovski kickstarted legendary run with brutal KO
As well as Ortega, Volkanovski has defeated an array of legends, featuring Jose Aldo and Max Holloway.
But before he emerged victorious against the all-time greats, he first had to beat a man who’d challenged for the crown.
At UFC 232, the esteemed athlete went toe-to-toe with a dangerous competitor, knowing a win could propel him towards bigger things.
In a win that announced him to the world, Volkanovski beat an icon in an incredible fight.
