Alex Volkanovski to consider acting post-UFC career after ‘Old man Volk’ character goes viral
Alex Volkanovski’s ‘Old man Volk’ character has stolen the headlines in the build-up to his much-anticipated fight against Ilia Topuria — and it’s got him weighing up a post-UFC career in acting.
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Alexander Volkanovski says a post-fighting career switch to acting is a serious possibility after his ‘Old Man Volk’ character went viral this week and finally succeeded in unsettling his ultra-confident opponent Ilia Topuria.
And, in the best traditions of showbiz, Volkanovski left Australian media in Anaheim with a tantalising cliff-hanger before his weigh-in.
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Speaking about his friendship with NBA superstar Jamal Murray – who was in attendance for the weigh-ins – Volkanovski revealed: “You’re in for a big treat tomorrow night,” hinting at possibly another heavy hitter joining his entourage, or perhaps a UFC 300 announcement.
Pushed on his big reveal, he remained coy.
“I have to leave it at that. I literally can’t tell you any more. Sorry.”
Tease. #UFC298pic.twitter.com/v4iuk6Df4x
— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) February 17, 2024
The Australian’s flair for the dramatic was on full display all week, most notably while acting as Old Man Volk during the official press conference.
The character went viral, with even his old nemesis Max Holloway leaving his approval on X (formerly Twitter).
More importantly though, it helped turn the crowd against Topuria, who cracked under the intense booing he copped on stage.
The deafening boos continued at the weigh-ins on Saturday, with the Spaniard heckled and sledged the entire time he was on the scales.
When he spoke to Joe Rogan on stage, his comments were virtually drowned out by the crowd.
Volkanovski says Topuria’s reaction shows his confident persona is just a façade.
“He’s obviously playing that role – this confident trash-talker – but he can’t handle the pressure,” he said.
“That was the first bit of pressure he’s felt before the fight, so you can imagine what’s going to happen in the fight.
“He’s gonna crumble.
“He’s probably got people in his ear, telling him that’s how he’s gotta do it.”
Volkanovski was as surprised as anyone that Topuria lost his cool at the press conference and again at the weigh-in.
“I didn’t expect him to fire up,” he said. “He was probably hoping it went differently, but he didn’t get under my skin at all.
“I was quite surprised, and I knew straight away when he started telling off the crowd.
“I don’t think that was part of the plan, he was so emotional. I think it’s a whole heap of hype.”
Meanwhile, Volkanovski said an acting career isn’t entirely off the cards once he does retire from fighting.
“I enjoy it, and I feel like I’m pretty good at it,” he said. “It’s something I can take advantage of.
“I’ve done a couple of gigs before, just for sponsors, who deal with actors, and they’re always impressed.
“They say they never get athletes who are so good in front of a camera like that.”
Originally published as Alex Volkanovski to consider acting post-UFC career after ‘Old man Volk’ character goes viral
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