Respect to Volk. I hope he's ok mentally because this game is ruthless and once it's done with you, fighters struggle to fill the void left behind.

One of the hardest post fight pressers I've seen. This bloke is an absolute credit to the sport and a credit to himself and his family. He should be so proud of himself, very much an inspiration to millions worldwide. Long live Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski

This was a HEAVY post fight conference Edit: Good on Volk talking about this stuff publicly. Men’s mental health is often swept under the rug. It’s great seeing a obviously powerful man open up emotionally.

This actually broke my heart. As tough as people can be, the mental struggle can be so real. I hope he's ok and can get his head in the right spot. Being open about your emotions is the toughest part. What a brave man to tell people he isn't completely ok. ❤

If a man like Volk can struggle with this, that should give anyone struggling some comfort knowing it’s okay to not be okay. Speak about it, it doesn’t make you weak or less of a man. Respect to Volk for being open about it, real champion material

Love this man’s honesty. Poured his heart out like you don’t see people often to. No excuses just the raw truth. Man’s a beast. Take some time man and come back stronger.

Killed me seeing Volk lose like that. He is a LEGEND of the sport and I’m so glad we are able to witness him in the cage. What a man. Great ambassador of the sport.

I'm not crying, you're crying. You're the man Volk. I went from being bitter that he beat Halloway to becoming a major fan of his tenacity and desire to stay active and provide us fans with great fights.

Massive respect to this man.. I wasn't his biggest fan 5/6 fights ago but hes grown on me massively and now I find him very inspiring. Massive respect for saying what's been on his mind, talking about things is half the battle. Just hope that he can find joy in other areas when he's done fighting

Never did I think I'd be watching Volk get Ko'd like that. I seriously hope he recovers well and reminds everybody who he is in January.

I'm not the MOST EMOTIONAL person in my family but my heart was broken seeing Volk like this. When a Legend tears up, hearts break in millions.

Anyone who has, on principle, taken a risk for a chance at greatness but then dealt with the temporary setback of coming up short resonates with you Mr. Volk. Great fight and you're an inspiration.

He’s pouring his heart out about his depression and everyone online just wants to talk about the kick. Fuck this world

How can you not love Volk. Always a class act, win lose or draw. No BS about him, doesn't need to put on a fake persona or engage in all the usual BS you see a lot of fighters doing. He just goes out there and does what he does. Legend

How can you not love Volk?!! Absolute legend and champ

You earned most people’s respect a long time ago, Alex. You inspire many with your dedication and perseverance and truly live by your nickname, The Great. Thanks champ, can’t wait to see you take on Topuria.

This felt like one of my boys got KO’d. It’s been a while since I felt this invested in a fighter going into a fight. I hope he recovers and also finds life after he’s done fighting. Thanks for the performance Volk! -Jordan

man being just a normal kid in college and being depressed and hearing a modern day warrior like Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski says he experienced it and not known what to do makes me feel a little bit better about myself. Thank you for sharing Alex

Watching this legend get emotional, gets me emotional. Legend of a man and respect him more now than did before. Still a champ and always will be

Respect to Volk, takes courage to move up a division on 11 days notice and travel to Abu Dhabi to take on the champion. A great sportsman in defeat. Looking forward to your next fight!

Seeing Volk cry made me tear up, the dude just wants to fight... 1 day notice, 12 days, 12 weeks it doesn't matter. He will go crazy without his love of his life, I hope he can look after himself. Addiction comes in many forms, I'm glad he's acknowledged it at least. Love you Volks you'll come back even stronger, I feel this was a needed reality check.

Volk is the man. Balls of steel no excuses

How can you not love this man? Absolute definition of a champ. Fuckin hell 👏

All respect to Volk, he's truly one of the best the sport has produced. I hope to see him take some time and get a deeper understanding of those feelings BEFORE his next fight. You're great the way you are bro, time is never wasted. It's a normal to feel uncertain and uncomfortable during periods of huge transition, learn to accept the feeling and it will pass.

Volk and Usman deserve massive credit for what they did. They may not have been the fights we necessarily wanted, or the results we wanted, but they saved a massive card, took a chance, and these were career defining fights for both of them. They're not win-2-lose-1 fighters, losses at this level (especially in Usman's case) are huge.

Man i am getting teared watching Volk. I am hardcore khabib and Islam fan but Volk just bought me with his honesty and courage Love you man! I hope more fighters learn from You

Love seeing the humanity from such a high risk loss. Volk is a legend, bad ass and inspiration. He'll be back in the win column soon.

I hope he can find peace outside the cage. He seems okay directly after the fight, being able to do interviews etc. but don’t be mistaken, he took a heavy shot to the dome. As much as we the fans think he’s all good, we’ve seen time and time again how a KO like this can change a fighter for the worse. It might not happen in the next fight but this is how the fall starts. Compounded with Volk’s attitude of wanting to keep busy, it could be a dangerous cocktail. For his own benefit, he should really take the time and find ways to be able to be okay with not fighting. As Khabib said, Prime Time only come one time. Better not rush the next fight. We all know UFC will squeeze a fighter for all their worth (eg: Tony Ferguson). But as a fan that cares, there’s no rush. He’s already proven to be one of the GOAT’s. Rest up Champ, rooting for ya.

I don’t think there’s a more fitting nickname in all of combat sports. Alex “The Great” Volkanovski. A true legend in the sport and an all around awesome guy. Sometimes in life we swing big and end up missing but i’d rather swing big and fail than not swing at all. Much love champ I’m sure you’ll come back better than ever.

An impressive man. A wonderful example. Peace upon him and his family

I’m a big Islam fan but all respect to Volk this man is a real champ

he’s grown on me more than nearly any fighter has, and the way he handled this outcome just cemented my appreciation. this result takes nothing from his accomplishments for me. better to take a tough loss than be afraid of a tough win.

A piece of my heart and respect is forever with Volk, My man showed up and fought when he didn't even had to, that's a true champion. I just want him to keep defending his belt for now and go strive to be a double champ when the time is right. Baddest Aussie out there!

Most respectable guy in the entire UFC. Dominant and arguably the goat in his division.

Man, it was so beautiful to see a man like that, absolute killer-killer fighter, killer athlete-of a man become so vulnerable and personable with so much of us on a sensitive topic with him. How crazy brave a guy like that is to someone like me, someone who doesn’t talk openly enough at all. I hope he influenced any of you guys to also be motivated to confess your emotions/dark feelings more. I hope he feels better after that, and I hope he stays strong working towards conquering that. Epic post fight interview

Man what a class act. I really feel for him. It takes a lot to go into a fight like that on short notice. I know he will come back stronger.✊🏼 god bless volk 🙏🏽

Hearing Volk talk like this really has me hope that he's able to find something to keep him going after fighting. We've seen that story play out too many times. I obviously don't know him personally, but he seems like a good man.

It was really hard to see Volk on the ground bleeding like that man, one of the best to ever do it. Eternal respect.

Damn this is probably the most devastating loss for me in a fighter i was supporting. Can't imagine how Volk feels, props to him for touching on how hes been feeling that aint easy. Hope he sorts out whatever is eating him and will come back strong in January

Absolute legend. Courageous to talk openly about his struggles. much respect.

We love you Volk! You holding back those tears, you're great. Good man. This whole card was filled with good men.

I feel like he is speaking out about what a lot of us are dealing with…hats off to him for bringing light to that issue…and respect to him for taking the fight on short notice 🙌🙏❤️

As someone who deals with depression, shocked to hear it might be something volk struggles with. Hope he gets help if so, he's a great human being

Lots of love from Wollongong Volk. You are an Aussie legend and we are all so proud of you. I struggle with mental health issues myself and it is nothing to be ashamed of. We are happy that you are ours!!

I'm a Makachev supporter but Volk you man, i started liking you more. You are very systematic and a very straight shooter. Lots of love and respect!

the heart this man has, definition of a champion.

Huge respect to him overall for being respectful as a person. Him and Holloway are gentleman in the sport. Never salty and well mannered with their opponents. They show what true sportsmanship is

He looks heartbroken. I really hope Volk comes out of this stronger and wiser. Whatever the case he has cemented himself as a legend of the sport

What a guy. Thinks he lost but motivated millions to go for it. You'll always be a winner champ. I was and will always be rooting for Makachev but this guy is something else man. Kudos Aussies, you guys have got a good one.

Don’t see how anyone can hate this man. Volk is such a class act. Hate to see him struggle with mental health issues. Really goes to show that anyone can deal with mental issues, even such a man as Volk. Someone who’s seen it all done it all in the ufc. The guys a legend. Love your people life is too short. Check in on the homies when you can. Sending love to Alex and his family. ❤️❤️

Win or lose, you're still the man. Thank you, Volk.

Man, I feel for volk so much. Mental struggles are in my opinion the hardest battle we all face.

That’s a warrior through and through. To be able to talk like this on a world stage. That’s a warrior.

As someone that has my own mental struggles, I sincerely hope that Volk is doing well. Its is always hard to judge form a distance not knowing the actual person, but it feels like his issues are beyond inactivity. He may be using fighting as a distraction or temporary fix that might not address the root of the problem. Mental health is still a difficult subject for men to discuss, I imagine that is exacerbated in the fight game. Major credit to him for opening up like this. I wish he gets all the help and support in the world for doing so. He has always been inspirational to me, but knowing he has sturrles like these only makes him more of a hero in my eyes.

Heartbreaking to see Volk like this

He is my favourite athlete in the world. I’m proud that he represents my country. Really hurt to see him lose. And pray he gets through this and come out stronger. Highest highs and lowest lows in this sport. ✝️❤️

Volk's a class act. Took the defeat like a champ. Obviously with an 11-day notice he's at a huge disadvantage, especially considering how close the first fight was. He stepped up for the fight and nothing but respect to him.

Wish him the best. He seems to be unraveling. Mental health is important. Take care of yourself, big guy! 🙏🏿

Legend. Hard to see him lose. Not the best decision to take that fight but can't wait to see him back.

Man Volk will always be one of my favorite fighters if not favorite, absolutely heartbreaking result with this fight can’t imagine how he’s feeling but I know he’s gonna keep moving forward with class

Great athlete, Great Fighter, Great human being- Alexander "THE GREAT" Volkanovski! Love you man! keep your head up legend!

We still love ya no matter what Volk........you make us proud everytime you step in the octagon. With the way you carry yourself in and out of the cage you are a legend mate. Proud of ya Volk 💯👍

He has definitely developed some attachment issues with his life as a fighter. Retirement will be hard for him and he is already 35. I think this happens to many hyper motivated people. He has always been at disadvantage but he was always talented at things he did,may be that talent developed a kind of narcissism in him that forces him to keep feeding it. Like he said in the interview that he starts losing his mind when he is not fighting. Volk needs help and i believe his wife will surely help him out. They have been wirh each other for so long. Love and respect to this legend.

Volk is the definition of a champion! All class and a total badass!!

I love the heart of Volk. He always steps up no matter what. He’s the man 💯

Legend of the sport. Win, lose or draw, Volk is a champion! Definitely one of my favourite fighters without doubt. Gutted he lost tonight, but he stepped up and dared to be great, can't ask for more than that ❤

What a legend, total respect! I feel what you're saying Volk. You can have your family that you love, as I do. But if you aren't participating in your passion it drags you to dark places. I'm a grassroots car racer, haven't been able to race it since march because of financial struggles. It does your head in. More so from not being able to participate in my passion than the financial struggles themselves. We're all behind you champ.

Watching this after he beat Diego and became 2x champ. Fucken inspirational stuff. His whole story gives me goosebumps

Worried a bit about how he’s in these head spaces- had no idea he struggled with those demons

Lots of love from Australia Volk, you're a legend for taking this fight against a very tough champion in a weight class above you. Looking forward to your comeback fight!

Man I’ve never seen Volk like that before. Whenever he said “Keep me busy because if I’m not in camp or fighting it does my head in.” I always thought he meant he wants to be an active champion not that it literally affects him mentally. Man I really hope this lose doesn’t get to him too bad, he gets the help he needs and comes back stronger 💪🏾

2 of my favourite fighters, hate that someone had to lose like this

Man I hope Volk is okay, seeing him like that brings a tear to my eye.

He is a real champ. Never made an excuse, eats the results and wants to move on. We should all learn from him. What a stud. Rooting for you Volk.

I was supporting Islam this fight but man.. seeing Alex knocked out and with that look of realization hurts way more, I'm definitely a Alex fan now and I hope he bounces back and gets a 3rd attempt for the double champ status, definitely rooting for him as a fan now. No excuses or anything, what a man.

All logic defied his decision to take this fight, and this interview reveals more than we ever knew. Volk is the biggest legend of the sport in my opinion. I sincerely hope he finds the balance he is looking for. He knows his time to leave the sport is coming sooner rather than later and he is fighting against the clock to achieve everything he believes he is capable of. This one hurts a lot to witness but I know Volk will be ok. Chin up champ!!

It's unsettling to see someone as capable and seemingly happy as Volk in this state.

Volk laid it on the line and went for it... I don't think he should've fought him on such a short notice, but damn that's how much he wanted it, that's how much he believed in himself.. so much damn respect to him. This man put his legacy on the line and saved this event, the UFC really owes this dude so fucking much.

This man is wearing his heart on his sleeve. We all love you Volk

This dude just got headkick KO'd and is on the presser answering questions, taking the loss like a champion, compared to Izzy who dipped out after his. Volk is a legend forever and built different

He looked strong in the clinch. Would have loved to see more grappling Exchanges.

Much respect from Cali, Volk. Always a fan, and you’re still a champ. Take out the top contenders at 145 and get a victory back in your last memory. Fans love you worldwide 🙏♿

Love volk for expressing himself honestly ❤

Mad respect and love for you Volk, you're a legend and an inspiration to many brother

Big respect to Volk. He's an outstanding fighter but obviously also a great person. He's always respectful, fair and humble and hungry at the same time. If you enjoy to listen to somebody in win and defeat, it's a sign that you listen to a great character. Nothing but the best wishes to Volk from southern Germany.

win or lose, this man is something else. Truly a champion

You the man bro

I had a feeling w/ him taking the fight on such short notice... no excuses, class act, he'll be back stronger next go.

Volk is 10x more respectable than Izzy.

I hope Volk really knows how much we respect him not only as a fighter but as a human to, massive respect to Volk! The UFC couldn’t ask for a better champion than Volk. He fights anyone at any time in any weight class. Pure class and respect from Volk, in Europe you have every UFC fans respect from the beginning to the end no matter what. Alex will be back he always will, and we cant wait for you to come back when ever your ready, rest up champ nobody deserves it more than you ❤️🫡

All time favorite fighter right here. Puts it all on the line. Mad respect. Tough interview and honestly sounds like he needs a break and maybe therapy. Feels like he puts too much pressure on himself and doesn’t see a lot of value outside of the cage. Gotta remember WHY you put it all on the line in the first place, and it’s not just about the legacy you leave in the sport but in life.

Massive respect to Volk, I myself am going through a lot of mental health issues and depression currently. Hearing a man as mentally strong professional and BMF be vulnerable like that really really helped me man. MUCH LOVE VOLK from the UK

Volk is and will always be a champ. Inspirational, as always. Total respect

I am a fan of both fighters, you can feel the respect between them, two champs !

Massive respect for Volk man. So humble, both him and Islam

So hard to see volks breaks in tears! Never imagined him break like this! No doubt that was a hard fight for him and he never imagined to happen that any day in his life!! But he is champ for taking the fight with the most dominate athlete of light weight division!

Breaks my heart to see him like this, Volk you have left one hell of a legacy behind.

Hope no more doubts left. Islam dilevered a statement 🔥💚💚

I love you volk.. it was fking heartbreaking seeing you like that, comeback better champ, you inspired many people brother.

Man the passion that Volk has can just motivate anyone....you can tell the loss really hurt him and he wanted that second belt... bittersweet moment