Flu Game! Volkanovski Fought Sick At UFC 333, Refused To Take Meds

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 24: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia reacts after a victory against Movsar Evloev of Russia in the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 333 event at Etihad Arena on October 24, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Alexander Volkanovski looked to be in prime form Saturday afternoon for his successful UFC featherweight title defense against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333, but “The Great” actually had to fight through flu symptoms to compete.

Fight fans knew something may have been wrong with Volkanovski after the 38-year-old’s voice sounded sick during Friday’s early morning weigh ins. Maybe it had something to do with Volkanovski’s weight cut for UFC 333, but whatever it was fans were worried the UFC champion was compromised. Nothing else was said about it and Volkanovski pushed forward. Fans assumed everything was good to go.

While Volkanovski ultimately did his thing and turned in a second-round TKO finish over Evloev in UFC 333’s main event, the UFC featherweight king was in fact sick with the flu. Training partner and world-class grappler Craig Jones confirmed it following the fight. Check it out below:

During UFC 333’s post-fight press conference (replay HERE), Volkanovski also confirmed that he was sick for fight week. In classic Volkanovski form, the UFC legend claimed he refused to take medicine so he wouldn’t gain an unfair advantage over Evloev.

Check it out below:

“It’s all good, it’s a part of the game. I started getting sick, I was like ‘it would’ve been too easy if I wasn’t sick.’

No matter what hurdles are in front of me, this sh-t excites me.”

For complete UFC 333 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.