VOLKAN MIND GAMES

Aussie reveals struggles outside the octagon

- GARY HITCHCOCK

ALTHOUGH the lightweight title eluded him again, Alexander Volkanovski has spoken with a heavy heart about the mental struggles that lead to his short-notice bid to become a double champion.

While his hands are more destructive than most, the idle variety is more of a concern for the Aussie superstar, which led to him accepting the daunting task of taking on Islam Makhachev, whom he lost to on points in February, on less than two weeks' notice.