To say UFC featherweight champion Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski is looking forward to his title defense this weekend is an understatement. Volkanovski has made no secret of his immense dislike for contender Brian Ortega, a rivalry which only intensified over the course of three months filming The Ultimate Fighter together.
At the UFC 266 press conference, Volkanovski reiterated just how excited he is to punch Ortega square in the face. “I can’t wait to punch him, put some hands on him.
Alexander Volkanovski on “Unprofessional” Ortega: “I Can’t Wait to Punch Him”
I’ve never been in this position, right? I’ve never spent so much time with an opponent. It’s never happened before, so this is different.
And then a long, long time off, so I’m just eager to get back in there, just, have some fun in it, enjoy it, enjoy everything about it, you know?
I mean, and on top of that, I’m going to punch him in the face.” Their shared time on The Ultimate Fighter did nothing to improve Volkanovski’s opinion of Ortega, either. “I mean, look, everyone has a puncher’s chance, right?
And this is MMA, so even the submissions… he’s obviously got new challenges for me. There are still big threats, but anyone that knows me knows that I’m always prepared. They know I’m doing what I need to do to nullify everything that he can throw at me.
He did look good in his last performance, and I’m going to give him credit for it. He definitely evolved. But, you know, he had, as I say, he had a ‘Zombie’ in front of him, just letting him do his thing, you know what I mean?
And as I say, you’re fighting my fight. I’m going to lead the dance. You’re going to follow my footwork. You know, ‘What’s going on? What what am I throwing at him?’ I’m constantly changing it up. He’s got to try and keep up with that.”
Volkanovski believes that Ortega lacks the professionalism and attitude required to compete with the best. Of course, he sees himself among the UFC’s elite.
“I ain’t no athletically gifted human being, you know what I mean. I’m challenged in height, you know what I mean? Like, you name it.
I was obviously heavy set, you name it. But, you know, it was just through hard work and busting my ass I got to where I am, and I’m living proof that anyone can do it or do whatever they want.
Hard work gets you to where I am. Talent only gets you so far, and he’s unprofessional.
He ain’t doing what I’m doing. I guarantee you he doesn’t deserve that belt. He ain’t taking it from me.”
No doubt Brian Ortega disagrees with “The Great” Volkanovski. Do you think this fight will go the champ’s way, or is Ortega finally going to wear the featherweight strap? Let us know in the comments.
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