Alexander Volkov shared his thoughts on Victory Day, describing it as a holiday he observes with more sorrow than joy, while being grateful to veterans and hoping such conflicts never happen again. He stated he raises his children with a pacifist mindset, emphasizing the Soviet-era sentiment of "as long as there's no war." When asked to describe Moscow after five years away, Volkov praised significant improvements in cleanliness and overall quality. He told teammates in New Jersey that he considers Moscow the best city in the world for living, beauty, and overall experience. His comments reflect a shift from his previous criticism of the city five years ago when he cited dirt, traffic, and construction.
Alexander Volkov used Russia's Victory Day on May 9 to reflect on war, peace, and his complicated feelings about his home country, offering a candid look at the heavyweight contender away from the cage.
Volkov, known as "Drago," carries a 40-11-0 record and sits at number one in the UFC heavyweight rankings at 37 years old. The six-foot-seven Russian, who fights out of Strela Team, brings a well-rounded game to the division — landing 4.78 significant strikes per minute at a 57 percent striking accuracy rate, numbers that place him among the most efficient heavyweights on the roster.
Speaking on the occasion of Victory Day, Volkov described the holiday as one he observes with more sorrow than joy, while expressing deep gratitude toward veterans. He said he hopes armed conflict never returns, and added that he is raising his children with a pacifist outlook rooted in the old Soviet-era phrase that translates roughly to "as long as there's no war."
When the conversation turned to Moscow, Volkov — who has been based in New Jersey with his teammates — was effusive in his praise for the Russian capital. He told those around him that he now considers Moscow the best city in the world for living, beauty, and overall experience. The remarks represent a notable shift from his position five years ago, when he was openly critical of the city's dirt, traffic congestion, and constant construction.
Why it matters
- Volkov is the top-ranked heavyweight contender, making any personal commentary from him a point of interest for the division's fanbase
- His comments on pacifism and his children offer rare personal insight into one of the UFC's longest-tenured European heavyweights
- The change in his view of Moscow after five years abroad highlights the perspective that extended time away from home can shift
