Alexander Volkanovski (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Not only was Alexander Volkanovski forced out of a March 27th fight with Brian Ortega, after testing positive for COVID-19, the UFC’s featherweight champ ended up being hospitalized on account of the virus.

Volkanovski was scheduled to fight the contender at UFC 260. But, not that far out from the card, it was announced he tested positive for COVID-19.

More recently, the Australian fighter posted a video on YouTube, in which he reflected on his battle with the virus. Here is some of what the 32-year-old, who ended up being hospitalized for three days, had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“This whole COVID thing is no joke,” Volkanovski said. “That’s why I wanted to do this video. Again, everyone is going to have their thoughts, but a lot of people were asking me how it was like getting symptoms, and now you guys aware. The symptoms got pretty wild. We got the normal symptoms, and they can lead to other things. So I got the normal symptoms that led me to pneumonia and other problems. It got pretty serious.

“I think if I was unhealthy, maybe I would’ve got other problems, and you can see how people pass away and things like that. This is quite serious. I’ve always taken it seriously, but know I understand it’s very unpredictable and very, very contagious because, again, it’s something that got in and got a few members of the team, so it was a crazy experience, but we’re all good. I’m no longer contagious, so I can go out and about, which is good. And yeah, so now we just want to get home.”

Volkanovski (22-1) hasn’t fought since July, 2020, when he defeated former champ Max Holloway via split decision.