Alexander Volkanovski mocks opponent by “sleeping” during UFC 298 presser

Current UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his strap against the undefeated Ilia Topuria this Saturday at UFC 298. The two have engaged in a verbal back-and-forth in the lead-up.

Alexander Volkanovski boasts a sparkling 26-3 MMA record in his career, with several exciting finishes and dominant performances along the way. He’s held the Featherweight belt for over 1,500 days, defeating anyone in the division that has stepped to him.

In his time as champion, Volk’s personality has shone more and more with each passing fight week. He is often poised and calculated when talking trash, but the 35-year-old introduced every side of his personality this week at the UFC 298 press conference.

Volkanovski arrived donning a fedora cap, old-fashioned reading glasses, and a cardigan straight out of the 1960s. He even referred to himself as an “old man” numerous times throughout the evening, and reporters fed into that persona when asking questions.

Volkanovski mocks Topuria by “sleeping” at UFC 298 presser

The conference started as most do, with each fighter explaining why they will emerge victorious from the UFC 298 main event as champion. But when Topuria began his turn on the microphone, Volk mocked him by hilariously using the elderly gimmick.

As Topuria detailed his game plan and predicted that he would “take Volkanovski’s light out in the first round,” the camera panned over to the long-time champion. To the entertainment of the crowd in attendance, Volk acted as if the speech put him to sleep.

Once he awoke from his faux nap, Volkanovski gingerly stood up and continued prodding Topuria. “He sees me in an old man outfit, and now he wants to be a hard fella,” Volk said as the two embraced in a stare-down.

Volkanovski’s antics shouldn’t be misconstrued. The long-time veteran made it clear that he would act accordingly when stepping into the octagon on Saturday. But in the lead-up to UFC 298, even with an undefeated challenger on his heels, Volk says he’s having a good time with it.

Topuria has appeared more serious in interviews, but he’s had some fun of his own at the expense of the champion, twice snatching the Featherweight belt and posing with it. He promised to take that title from Volkanovski for good at UFC 298.

All the pre-fight trash talk will come to an end this weekend when the two clash in the octagon. The main event has had substantial build-up in recent weeks, promising fans an exhilarating matchup between two of the division’s best.