Alexander Volkov is not buying Dana White’s explanation of their awkward interaction at the UFC 333 pre-fight press conference.
The heavyweight contender believes the UFC CEO genuinely failed to identify him when he approached the microphone under the guise of a media member.
The unusual exchange attracted attention after Volkov questioned White in front of featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. White appeared unsure of who was speaking, prompting Volkanovski to clarify the Russian heavyweight’s identity.
White later insisted he knew who “Drago” was and had played along with the situation.
However, Volkov remains convinced that the UFC boss only realized who he was after Volkanovski intervened.
Alexander Volkov Questions Whether Dana White Knows His Name
Volkov explained that the idea came to him after he noticed that he and his opponent, Rizvan Kuniev, had once again been left out of the official press conference lineup despite their main-card fight.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the heavyweight said the omission had become a familiar experience over his last several appearances. He decided to attend the event like an ordinary spectator before joining the media line to ask questions.
The 38-year-old Russian was blunt when discussing White’s apparent confusion, suggesting that his nationality and the number of fighters on the UFC roster could explain why the longtime executive might not immediately recognize him.
Of course, he didn’t recognize me,” Volkov said. “First of all, I am a Russian fighter. I’m not even sure he can remember my name. And I bet every time he hears my name, he thinks they’re talking about Alexander Volkanovski.
“Drago” nevertheless acknowledged that remembering every athlete would be difficult given the size of the UFC roster. He added that White was not necessarily expected to recognize every fighter personally.
Still, the exchange has drawn attention because Volkov has competed under the UFC banner for approximately a decade and remains one of the promotion’s established heavyweight contenders.
