Alexander Volkov told TASS that he accomplished his mission with his UFC victory on Victory Day. The heavyweight fighter reflected on the significance of competing on Russia's most important national holiday commemorating the end of World War II. Details of the specific bout and opponent are not provided in the brief statement. Volkov's comments suggest he felt added pressure or motivation to deliver a strong performance on the symbolic date. The interview was conducted by TASS correspondent Igor Lazorin.
Alexander Volkov spoke to TASS following his UFC victory on May 9, Russia's Victory Day, saying he felt he had accomplished his mission with the performance.
The Russian heavyweight, known as "Drago," reflected on the weight of competing on the country's most significant national holiday — the annual commemoration of the Soviet Union's role in ending World War II. Speaking to TASS correspondent Igor Lazorin, Volkov indicated the date brought added pressure and motivation to deliver, and that he felt he had met the moment.
Volkov enters 2026 as one of the most accomplished heavyweights on the UFC roster. The 37-year-old Strela Team fighter carries a record of 40-11-0 and currently sits at number one in the divisional rankings. At six-foot-seven with an 80-inch reach, he is among the largest and most physically imposing competitors in the division. His output inside the cage backs up his frame — he lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 57 percent, numbers that rank among the more productive and precise in the heavyweight class.
Why it matters
- Volkov is the top-ranked UFC heavyweight, meaning any strong showing keeps him firmly in title contention
- Competing on Victory Day carries national cultural weight in Russia, and Volkov's public framing of the fight as a "mission" underscores how personally significant the date was to him
- The interview, conducted by the state news agency TASS, signals the bout drew mainstream attention in Russia beyond the usual MMA audience
