Alexander Volkov shared his thoughts on Victory Day, describing it as a holiday he observes with more sorrow than joy, grateful for the victory but sad such circumstances existed. He emphasizes teaching his children a pacifist mindset rooted in Soviet-era values of wishing for peaceful skies. When asked to describe Moscow, Volkov contradicted his assessment from five years ago when he called it dirty and traffic-filled. After visiting last summer, he now declares Moscow the best city in the world for both living and beauty. He enthusiastically defended this position in recent conversations with teammates in New Jersey.
Alexander Volkov took time on Victory Day to share personal reflections on the holiday's meaning, opening up about how he approaches the commemoration with his family and offering a striking reversal on his opinion of Russia's capital.
The Russian heavyweight, known as "Drago," said Victory Day carries a bittersweet weight for him — one he observes with more sorrow than joy. He expressed gratitude for the outcome of the war while mourning that such a conflict ever had to happen at all. That perspective shapes how he raises his children, passing on a pacifist outlook rooted in the Soviet-era sentiment of wishing for peaceful skies above.
Volkov, 37, is currently ranked number one in the UFC heavyweight division and holds a professional record of 40-11-0. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, he is one of the most physically imposing fighters in the sport and has built his reputation with a striking output of 4.78 significant strikes landed per minute at an accuracy of 57 percent. He trains out of Strela Team and has been based in New Jersey.
The change of scenery appears to have given him a fresh perspective on home. When the topic of Moscow came up in conversation with teammates, Volkov admitted his view has shifted dramatically from five years ago, when he reportedly described the city as dirty and congested. After visiting last summer, he reversed that position entirely, now calling Moscow the best city in the world for both living and beauty — a stance he defended enthusiastically during recent discussions in New Jersey.
Why it matters
- Volkov's public comments offer a rare personal look at how one of the division's top contenders thinks beyond the sport
- His current ranking at number one in the heavyweight division means anything he says or does carries added visibility
- The contrast between his old and new views on Moscow reflects a genuine change of perspective rather than a rehearsed position
