Alexander Volkov shared his thoughts on Victory Day (May 9) and how he raises his children regarding the holiday. Volkov said he views the day with more sorrow than joy, being grateful to veterans but emphasizing the tragedy of war itself. He stated he raises his children with a pacifist mindset, teaching them "anything but war" as was common in Soviet times. When asked to describe Moscow in three words five years after calling it "dirt, traffic, construction," Volkov praised the city extensively. After visiting last summer, he told teammates that Moscow is the best city in the world for living, beauty, and overall quality. He particularly noted how clean everything has become.
Alexander Volkov took time on Victory Day, May 9, to reflect on the holiday's significance and share an updated view of his home city of Moscow.
The Russian heavyweight, who fights out of Strela Team, said he approaches Victory Day with more sorrow than celebration. While expressing gratitude toward veterans, Volkov emphasized the tragedy of war itself as the defining emotion of the occasion. He added that he raises his children with a pacifist outlook, teaching them to reject conflict — a mindset he described as rooted in Soviet-era values.
Volkov also revisited a comment he made roughly five years ago in which he described Moscow in three blunt words: dirt, traffic, construction. His assessment has shifted dramatically. After visiting the city last summer, the 37-year-old told teammates that Moscow is now the best city in the world, praising its cleanliness, beauty, and overall quality of life.
On paper, Volkov remains one of the most formidable heavyweights in the sport. Standing six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, he carries a 40-11-0 professional record and currently sits ranked first in the heavyweight division. He lands an impressive 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy, figures that place him among the division's most prolific and precise strikers.
Why it matters
- Volkov is the top-ranked heavyweight contender, making his profile and public presence particularly relevant to the division's landscape
- His pacifist remarks and reflective tone offer a rare personal look at one of MMA's most physically imposing competitors
- The contrast between his updated praise of Moscow and his earlier criticism illustrates a notable shift in perspective from one of Russia's highest-profile fighters
