Volkanovski Jokes About Almost Volunteering to Fight Amid Injury

Recent Rumors Surrounding UFC 309

About a week ago, rumors began circulating online that one of the major fights at UFC 309 might be in jeopardy. Speculation arose regarding a potential injury to Charles Oliveira ahead of his main event clash with Michael Chandler on November 16. However, these claims were quickly dismissed before fight week began, as the highly anticipated return of the UFC to Madison Square Garden is set for this Saturday.

Chandler Responds to Injury Speculation

During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler addressed the rumors, expressing uncertainty about their origin. Some fans were quick to believe the rumors after witnessing fighters like Renato Moicano offering to step in on short notice via social media. This only fueled the fire, raising concerns about Oliveira’s readiness to fight.

Oliveira’s Recent Fight History

“Do Bronx” has recently faced significant setbacks, with two notable fights canceled or postponed. Most notably, his rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 last year, which he had to withdraw from due to a cut above his eye just two weeks before the scheduled fight. Since then, the fight has not been rescheduled, leaving fans eagerly awaiting Oliveira’s return to the octagon. 

During his absence, then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski stepped in to face Makhachev, though the fight didn’t go as Volkanovski had hoped. A running joke among fans is that Volkanovski is always ready to jump in whenever a fighter pulls out, staying prepared at a moment’s notice.

Volkanovski’s Lighthearted Remarks

In a recent analysis on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski humorously commented on the rumors surrounding Oliveira’s injury. “I saw things popping up when Charles was absent, and I thought maybe they’d need a replacement. That’s why you can’t always believe what you see on the internet,” he said. He joked that he almost raised his hand to volunteer, highlighting the unpredictability of fight announcements. Volkanovski continued, “But yeah, we know that wasn’t the case. If the UFC calls, you never know, right?” His lighthearted comments resonated with the MMA community, which thrives on the unpredictability of matchups and last-minute changes.

Building Anticipation for UFC 309

As fight day approaches, fans eagerly await the main event between Oliveira and Chandler, hoping for an intense showdown. With both fighters’ recent histories and the swirling rumors, the excitement is palpable. Volkanovski’s willingness to step in, even as a joke, underscores the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines the sport.

A Community of Fighters

The atmosphere around UFC 309 is filled with anticipation, and Volkanovski’s playful remarks only add to the entertainment. As fight night draws near, fans can only hope for a successful event without any last-minute injuries. The unpredictability of MMA keeps fans on their toes, reminding everyone why they love the sport.