Volkanovski explained the setup before they began, saying they would start in a headlock position and see how things unfold. He wasn’t aiming to win a traditional wrestling match against Mailata, acknowledging the challenge posed by the substantial weight gap. In a post-match clip, Volkanovski admitted on camera that there wasn’t any real chance of him holding Mailata down, but he would attempt a guillotine from the start.
The moment Mailata dropped to his knees, Volkanovski moved in quickly, controlling him from the front and locking in the guillotine. Mailata managed to lift the champion off the ground in a superhero-like display, but Volkanovski kept the submission locked as the lineman tried to find an escape, ultimately forcing Mailata back down. Once on the mat, Volkanovski maintained pressure, leaving Mailata with no option but to tap.
This grappling showcase echoed a previous collaboration between Volkanovski and NBA star Jamal Murray in 2023, which ended with Volkanovski securing a back control and a late guillotine choke. The latest clip serves as a reminder that technique and positioning can trump raw power in grappling.
The challenge with Mailata was part of a broader series of tests that included striking a punch machine, taking body shots from Volkanovski, and defending against a simulated touchdown attempt on a dummy. Mailata took the challenges in good spirits, though the experience clearly included moments of doubt about signing up for the day’s activities.
Volkanovski has kept busy outside the Octagon as well, training with other high-profile athletes, including former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Adesanya recently visited Volkanovski’s training facility in Sydney, adding another elite name to his circle of partners as he navigates a tricky career stretch after a string of losses. Adesanya has since parted ways with City Kickboxing and is exploring new training arrangements as he seeks a return to winning form.
Mauricio Ruffy, a Brazilian lightweight who recently left the Fighting Nerds team, has also teamed up with Volkanovski for training. Ruffy has earned two consecutive wins since a loss to Benoit Saint-Denis, most recently scoring a knockout against Michael Chandler at UFC Freedom 250.
Volkanovski has long trained in Auckland, often linking up with Adesanya and Dan Hooker, among others. This latest grappling session with Mailata adds another chapter to Volkanovski’s broader preparation arc as he looks ahead to his next Octagon appearance.
Looking ahead, Volkanovski had suggested Movsar Evloev as the next challenger for his featherweight title, and UFC officials have since confirmed the matchup for UFC 333 on October 24. The champion had hoped for a sooner return, aiming for August or September, but the promotion scheduled the title defense for October. Volkanovski reflected that defending the title after turning 38 has its own appeal, noting that even though he isn’t in his prime, he believes a peak performance remains within him and that fans should expect another high-caliber showing when he steps back into the cage.
Volkanovski, nicknamed “The Great,” has long used an “old man Volk” persona to fuel his confidence against younger contenders, and he remains candid about his current form while expressing belief that his best days can still lie ahead. He now prepares to defend the title against Evloev, a rising unbeaten challenger regarded as one of the division’s toughest tests.
In sum, the recent grappling session with Mailata reinforced the enduring truth in combat sports: technique, leverage, and submission knowledge can overcome a size disadvantage, even when facing a colossal opponent. As Volkanovski gets ready for another title defense, fans can anticipate a performance that blends experience with relentless preparation.
