“It’s good to be back and for everyone watching – adversity is a privilege. I promised my girls that I would bring the belt back to them, but then I was thinking it doesn’t matter if bring the belt back or not.” Alexander Volkanovski dedicated his UFC 314 post-fight speech to his family, fans, and especially to his daughters. ‘The Great’ is already a girl dad of three and with another baby girl due in April. Moreover, the new 145lbs kingpin promised his daughters he’d come back stronger, and he kept that pledge. In a display of immense heart, grit, and that signature Aussie toughness against Diego Lopes, Volk broke through and won the belt back at 36 years of age. But, his victory got even sweeter when he walked over and hugged his dad, Tony Volkanovski. This gesture made Tom Aspinall‘s heart melt.

The Englishman is also a family man, just like the current 145lbs kingpin. Moreover, his journey in MMA has always been shaped by his father, Andy Aspinall, his coach, mentor, and biggest supporter. A lifetime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner himself, Andy has been in the Brit’s every training session since he was 8 years old. So, when Aspinall knocked Sergei Pavlovich into the stratosphere at UFC 295 and claimed the interim heavyweight title, it wasn’t just his win. It was a father-son victory!

That’s why Volkanovski’s moment at UFC 314 probably hit a little closer to home for the Brit. After his iconic victory, the Aussie conveyed a message about overcoming adversity. “The message was a lot of people counted me out, coming off two knockout losses and the 35-year-old curse. I’m 36 years old, big break, and coming back and beat a gun like Diego Lopes, who came and brang it. It’s good to be back and for everyone watching – adversity is a privilege. This moment is incredible.”

This moment was amplified when Volkanovski shared a heartfelt moment with his father and hugged him. The duo shared a vulnerable moment with both men in tears owing to the ride Volk has been on since UFC 294 where he suffered a horrendous KO loss to Islam Makhacev and then dropped his crown to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. Aspinall shared that wholesome photo by ESPN MMA on his Instagram story with just four simple words, “Love to see it.”

The interim heavyweight champ never shies away from sharing his thoughts on upcoming fights. Before Volkanovski’s return at UFC 314, he broke down the matchup during a segment with Eurosport. And it was all love for the Aussie. “I’m happy to see Volkanovski get another shot. I think it’s gonna be a good fight. I think that it’s gonna be Volkanovski’s last crack at getting a title shot and getting a title again. But it’s interesting to see where Volkanovski’s at because that guy can seriously get down in there and get after it. And from what I’ve seen, I think it’s a good scrappy featherweight fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

Aspinall’s words weren’t just analysis they came from a place of genuine respect. He’s a Volkanovski fan himself. So when Volk pulled off that emotional comeback, it likely gave him enough joy. Volkanovski’s return has been nothing short of a spectacle for the MMA world. Praise has been pouring in from all corners, and it’s not just fans showing love. Tom Aspinall, already a fan of Volkanovski, admitted that his respect for the Aussie has only grown after that comeback. Even one of his former rival’s closest friends called his performance “legendary.”

Merab Dvalishvili calls Alexander Volkanovski a “Legend”

Current bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili had his breakout moment at UFC 298 with a dominant win over Henry Cejudo. After the fight, he proudly backed his fellow Georgian, Ilia Topuria, claiming that Topuria would be the one to hand Alexander Volkanovski his first loss at featherweight. But this time around, things were different. Despite rooting for his countryman in the past, ‘The Machine’ found himself cheering for ‘The Great’ this time.

Dvalishvili revealed to Laura Sanko a week ago, opening up about the possibility of ever facing the featherweight GOAT, Alexander Volkanovski. The 135lbs kingpin said. “First, I love him. I respect him so much. I never want to fight him. Second of all, I don’t think he’s an easy fight. He’s way better than me.” After watching Volkanovski’s epic comeback at UFC 314, Merab couldn’t stay quiet. The bantamweight king took to X and simply wrote, “What a legend @alexvolkanovski.”

What are your thoughts on Tom Aspinall reacting to Volkanovski’s legendary victory? Sound off in the comment section below!