Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski recently played a playful prank on a fan during a meet-and-greet. The fan, a big UFC enthusiast and jiu-jitsu competitor, thought he was wrestling with Volkanovski, only for the champion to fake a neck injury mid-grapple. The staged scenario left the fan horrified for a moment before Volkanovski revealed it was a joke, resulting in a priceless reaction captured on video.
Volkanovski also commented on his next title defense, confirming Lerone Murphy as his upcoming opponent after Murphy’s knockout win over Aaron Pico. Volkanovski had originally hoped to face Movsar Evloev, but acknowledged Murphy had earned the shot. The matchup at UFC 319 promises to be highly anticipated for the 145-pound belt.