Alexander Volkanovski reveals brutal fight week challenge that has left teammates vomiting and injured

Alexander Volkanovski has revealed the brutal challenge his team puts newcomers through during fight week. The Australian UFC featherweight champion admitted that the intense test has previously left participants vomiting and suffering pulled hamstrings.The challenge has attracted attention as Volkanovski prepares to defend his featherweight title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. A teammate recently collapsed during the demanding session, leaving the champion shocked by the frightening incident.Alexander Volkanovski’s team challenge takes a scary turnAlexander Volkanovski’s team has developed a tradition of testing newcomers during fight week. The challenge usually takes place after the champion completes his training rounds. New team members must then take part in a demanding physical test.The 38-year-old explained how the tradition works and admitted that previous editions have produced some unpleasant results.redcorner_mma @redcorner_mmaID2112077714857529622redcorner_mma00“After I finish my rounds, the boys have a challenge. Every time there’s new boys to fight week, we do a challenge. It’s usually quite strenuous. It’s a pretty crazy challenge. We get people spewing. We’ve had people pulling hammies. We’ve had it all happen. Someone’s going to spew”, he said.The challenge often involves intense conditioning exercises, including work on assault bikes. These exercises can quickly exhaust participants and test their endurance. While the tradition is intended to push newcomers, its intensity has sometimes resulted in injuries and physical distress.The session recently took a worrying turn when one of Volkanovski’s teammates collapsed while using an assault bike. The incident was shared on the Australian fighter’s YouTube channel.Volkanovski reacted with shock as he watched the situation unfold.“Did he pass out?” he asked. “F– man, that was an absolute war.”The incident showed how demanding the team’s training environment can become. It also highlighted the risks associated with pushing the body too far during intense conditioning sessions.However, Volkanovski’s team challenge remains a tradition aimed at newcomers joining the group during fight week.Beyond training, the champion has also shown his loyalty to his teammates inside the Octagon. After Colby Thickness fought Vince Morales at UFC Perth, Volkanovski shared a replay on X and suggested that Morales had tapped during an armbar attempt.“I knew I seen a tap! #ufcperth,” he tweeted.Volkanovski is now focused on his own title defence against Evloev. The undefeated Russian has won all 10 of his UFC fights by decision, making him a difficult opponent over five rounds.The Australian champion, however, believes he has the skills and experience to secure a convincing victory. He has also suggested that he could finish the fight rather than rely on a decision.Volkanovski previously defeated Max Holloway to win the featherweight title in 2019 and defended it five times before losing to Ilia Topuria in 2024. He later reclaimed the championship against Diego Lopes and defended it in their January rematch.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.