Alexander Volkov Opens Up About Living With Asthma, Explains How He Keeps It Under Control

The 38-year-old is fresh off a unanimous decision win over Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333, which came on his birthday. “Drago” is 41-11 overall, 15-5 in the UFC, and has won seven of his last eight fights. Now, the Russian has spoken about the condition he still lives with and how he manages it while competing inside the Octagon.

Alexander Volkov Recalls Struggling to Breathe in Childhood Training

During a recent interview with Russian journalist Vadim Tikhomirov in Abu Dhabi, Volkov recalled the moments of growing up in Moscow. While talking about karate classes that he started in his school gym, the 38-year-old revealed that he had bronchial asthma, which made those sessions a real struggle. He said:

“So the training sessions were tough and heavy. I remember at the time it was really hard to endure them. It was very difficult for me personally... Although I was, well, I had bronchial asthma... From early childhood until I was about 18, I had periodic asthma attacks. I mean, I was literally gasping for air; I was really having a rough time. And, consequently, maintaining training at a high pace, at a high level, yeah, it was hard. I mean, I was really, I was feeling terrible at practice. I don’t know what motivated me to train, but I kept going, and I liked it.”

Alexander Volkov Explains How He Keeps His Asthma in Check

Even today, "Drago" is still suffering from the condition. However, it is not as bad as it was when he was a kid. He now prevents it from showing up by keeping himself fit and in shape. He told Tikhomirov:

“Ah, well, I still have it now, it just doesn’t manifest itself because I keep myself in good physical shape.”

Alexander Volkov is still chasing a title shot. After beating Kuniev, he once again asked UFC CEO Dana White what more he needs to do to earn one. Meanwhile, heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane is set to defend his belt against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on Nov. 14.

Will Volkov get the opportunity after Hokit? It certainly seems possible. However, if Tom Aspinall returns to reclaim his heavyweight title, Volkov may have to wait even longer.