Alexander Volkov plays a UFC newcomer and asks Dana White how to get a title shot
The No. 4 heavyweight, who fights Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333, staged the question from the press conference audience.
Alexander Volkov turned the fan Q&A at the UFC 333 press conference into a sketch. Sitting in the audience, the Russian heavyweight introduced himself as someone just starting out in the UFC and asked how to become a champion, Sport-Express reported. Alexander Volkanovski answered first, with a joke about Volkov's hair.
Volkov then put the question to Dana White, who asked him how many fights he had. Volkov said 20 in the UFC and 51 in total, and that he turns 38. White's advice was to talk to matchmakers Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard. "I've been here almost 10 years," Volkov added.
Behind the joke is a real grievance. Volkov is ranked fourth at heavyweight and has won six of his last seven fights. After Tom Aspinall vacated the belt, Ciryl Gane became the undisputed champion, and the UFC gave the first shot to the unbeaten Josh Hokit (10-0). Gane vs Hokit headlines UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden in New York on 14 November, Cageside Press reported.
White has said Volkov will get his chance. Earlier this month he told MMA Fighting, as quoted by Sports.ru, that Volkov is already among the contenders and that it is only a matter of time. First comes Rizvan Kuniev on the UFC 333 main card on Saturday 24 October; Kuniev weighed 265 lb and Volkov 256 lb.
UFC 333: Volkanovski vs EvloevSat 24 Oct · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi See ticketsSource: Sport-Express, Sports.ru, Cageside Press, Sherdog
