Alexander Volkanovski on the New York Yankees: ‘I’m A Fan for Life’
Who knew The Great Bambino and Alexander The Great shared so much in common?
Alexander Volkanovski, just like Babe Ruth decades ago, is a proud supporter of the New York Yankees.
“I’m a Yankees guy,” said Volkanovski. “I went to Yankee Stadium, and I got first-class treatment. Once I have a connection, I’m a fan for life–and I have that connection with the Yankees.”
The former longtime king of the UFC featherweight division, Volkanovski is mired in the toughest stretch of his professional career. Volkanovski (26-4) has dropped three of his last four fights, including suffering back-to-back knockouts, most recently in February by Ilia Topuria.
Like Volkanovski, the Yankees have a lot to prove. Their Opening Day opponent tomorrow is the Houston Astros, who have won the American League in four of the past seven seasons–and have appeared in the American League Championship Series in all seven of those seasons. In comparison, the Yankees have been to the ALCS three times in the last decade–but fell short all three times to Houston.
Following an 82-80 season, Volkanovski has high expectations for the Yankees this summer, especially as “The Childish Bambino” Juan Soto makes his debut in pinstripes.
“I’m locked in,” said Volkanovski. “I’m a loyal dude. They sent me a heap of gear. They looked after us when we were there. They’re my team.”
Despite losing three of his past four fights–and now fighting at 35 years old–Volkanovski said he is only in the fifth inning of his career.
“The fifth inning sounds fair,” said Volkanovski. “If you saw me training, you’d see. There is plenty more left for me.”
JUSTIN BARRASSO