“He wanted me there…” Alexander Volkanovski REVEALS text from $220 million earner Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Arabia invite

Before the Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder boxing bout in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo met the former UFC champion Israel Adesanya. As such, he enquired about Adesanya’s teammate Alexander Volkanovski, as he just lost his bout with Islam Makhachev. Now, Volkanovski revealed the chats between him and Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo is an avid mixed martial arts fan and was concerned for Volkanovski’s health. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Alexander Volkanovski broke the news that Ronaldo wanted him to fight in Saudi Arabia. As such, he revealed Ronaldo’s desire to have a massive fight card in there. But, it didn’t come to fruition as the UFC booked ‘The Great’ for UFC 298 in Anaheim. Here is what ‘The Great’ said in the interview:

He really wanted me in Saudi Arabia as you can see that's what he's saying to Izzy as well. He wanted to get a massive card over there. I'm like, look if anyone can do it, I'm sure you can influence that decision quite a bit mate. I obviously wanted to go over there but I guess it's just not working out.

Alexander Volkanovski via MMA Hour

Alexander Volkanovski took on a steep challenge in fighting Islam Makhachev on eleven days’ notice. Although he was confident about winning, Makhachev knocked him out in the first round. In the post-fight pressers, the Australian champion revealed about struggling with mental issues. This might be why Cristiano Ronaldo took a personal interest in contacting Volk. ‘The Great’ also mentioned that Ronaldo lifted his spirit after the devastating loss.

Although Saudi Arabia didn’t get Alexander Volkanovski, Saudi officials had struck a deal with the UFC for fight cards in the future. The UFC planned to host its debut event there by March of 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo might attend the event as he’s living there.

Alexander Volkanovski on the possibility of fighting Islam Makhachev again

Alexander Volkanovski was a reckoning force in the UFC featherweight division. He fought Islam Makhachev in UFC 284 in an attempt to achieve the double champ status. However, he fell short as he lost a close decision to the Dagestani.

Later, he again faced Makhachev in UFC 294, going against massive odds as he took the fight on short notice. As such, the result was devastating. ‘The Great’ lost the fight via knockout in the first round. Now, he weighed in on the opportunity to fight Makhachev again.

In Alexander Volkanovksi’s recent appearance on the MMA Hour show, he said he was a realist and continued that the possibility of getting a trilogy against Islam Makhacehv was unlikely. However, he confidently stated that he would be ready to take on Makhachev if the opportunity presents itself. Here is what he said:

I knew going into that fight, things didn't go my way its very unlikely, I get a trilogy. I knew that. I don't see him losing in the lightweight division anytime soon...I'm gonna be training, if there's injuries and someone need a late replacement, people are gonna think I'm mad but I'm gonna do it again! 

Alexander Volkanovski is the UFC featherweight champion who had five successful title defenses. His stock rose high after this performance against Islam Makhacehv. Even now, just taking on the short notice fight earned him massive respect from the MMA fans. Now, he faces Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February 2024. This would mark his sixth title defense if he comes out successful.

In case you missed it:

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• “He should be arrested!” Sean O’Malley reacts to Jalin Turner knocking out Bobby Green ’13 times’ due to late stoppage

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