Alexander Volkov reflects on Victory Day (May 9), describing it as a holiday he observes with both gratitude and sorrow, thankful for the veterans but sad such a world situation occurred. He teaches his children a pacifist worldview centered on avoiding war, similar to Soviet-era values of wishing for peaceful skies. When asked to describe Moscow in three words after five years away, Volkov noted significant improvements from his previous assessment of "dirt, traffic, construction," now calling it the best city in the world for living and beauty. He emphasized Moscow's cleanliness during his summer visit and expressed strong conviction about the city's quality to teammates in New Jersey.
Alexander Volkov took time on Victory Day, May 9, to share his personal reflections on the holiday's meaning and his evolving relationship with his hometown of Moscow.
The Russian heavyweight, known as "Drago," spoke candidly about how he approaches May 9 with mixed emotions — grateful for the veterans who sacrificed so much, yet saddened that such a conflict ever had to occur. He said he passes a pacifist outlook on to his children, rooted in the Soviet-era ideal of wishing simply for peaceful skies above. War, in his view, is something to be avoided at all costs.
Volkov, 37, is currently ranked number one in the UFC heavyweight division with a professional record of 40 wins and 11 losses. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, the orthodox striker out of Strela Team has built a reputation as one of the division's most technically sound heavyweights, landing an impressive 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
The conversation also touched on Moscow itself. Volkov, who has been based in New Jersey for training purposes, was asked to describe the city in three words after roughly five years away. He acknowledged his old answer — dirt, traffic, construction — no longer fit. He now considers Moscow the finest city in the world for both livability and beauty, pointing to how clean the city appeared during a recent summer visit. He said he has shared that conviction directly with his teammates in New Jersey.
Why it matters
- Volkov's public comments offer a rare personal look at how a top-ranked UFC heavyweight balances elite competition abroad with deep cultural ties at home.
- As the number-one ranked heavyweight, any insight into his mindset and lifestyle carries weight for followers of the division.
- His training base in New Jersey and strong connection to Russia reflect the increasingly global nature of the sport's top contenders.
