Watch: UFC Champion Alexander Volkanovski battles a lion in tug of war in Abu Dhabi
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski was in Abu Dhabi for UFC 280. While the pound-for-pound king was the backup for the main event lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, he did not fight on the card.
While in Abu Dhabi, however, Volkanovski made sure to tour a wildlife facility, where he was able to compete against a lion in a friendly game of tug of war.
Volkanovski began the clip, posted to his YouTube, by comically sharing how he would defeat a wild animal in a fight, stating:
"Tug of war with a tiger or a lion... Let it grab your arm, but then while he's doing that, pull him into a triangle and pull it, legs around it, arm bar it or something, leg bar, whatever you want to call it. If it moves it legs, I triangle it, put it to sleep, that's it. Fight IQ."
Volkanovski proceeds to be shown around the facility by the staff, even getting to greet some of the animals outside of their cages. Finally, Volkanovski can be seen competing with a lion in tug of war.
The challenge created far more of a struggle for him than we've seen in the octagon, as he was unable to move the lion, who pulled him in rather easily.
Watch Alexander Volkanovski compete against a lion in tug of war below (starting at the 1:36 mark):
Alexander Volkanovski believes Islam Makhachev is underestimating him
Islam Makhachev's first title defense appears likely to take place at UFC 284 against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski believes that the lightweight champion may be underestimating him ahead of their potential matchup.
Champ vs Champ next!? #UFC280 https://t.co/v9wqHGKZxH
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski stated:
"I honestly believe he's underestimating me. I think that's why they want this, that's an advantage to me... I guarantee you he is not holding me down and even if he gets me flat on my back, I am getting up. Mark my words when I say that."
Volkanovski added:
"He's going to be frustrated, uncomfortable in there especially when things don't go to plan, especially when he realizes this short guy isn't as easy to hold down as he thought. If there's any man to do this, it's me, I love the challenge."
Volkanovski appears confident that he can become the UFC's fifth double champ. However, going up a division and getting through Makhachev will undoubtedly be his toughest test yet.
Watch Alexander Volkanovski's comments on Islam Makhachev underestimating him below (starting at the 3:14 mark):