Alexander Volkanovski, like many in the MMA community, was puzzled to see Henry Cejudo fire his long-time coach, Eric Albarracin, on camera.
Last week, the UFC released its “Countdown” show in the lead up to UFC 298, which featured many of the usual activities fighters engage in just before a fight. However, UFC 298 “Countdown” came with an unusual wrinkle as Cejudo decided to break the news to Albarracin that he was not going to be part of the team heading into Feb. 17 against Merab Dvalishvili.
This had many upset with the way Cejudo decided to handle letting go of Albarracin, including Volkanovski.
“What? Is that legit or what? Is this some weird way of marketing or promoting?” Volkanovski told The MacLife. “I just don’t get it. In front of the cameras just seems so weird.”
Volkanovski was so taken away by Cejudo’s actions that he questions if the whole thing was just a publicity stunt. But if indeed real, the UFC featherweight champion admits to losing respect for Cejudo.
“I thought he looked like he was taking it in, but I just don’t get it,” Volkanovski said. “You’re an absolute prick if you’re doing that and thought, ‘This would be good content, and I’m going to make the most of this,’ and go out and do that.
“Henry, if this is legit, you are a piece of sh*t, let me tell you that right now. That’s crazy to me. That’s why I don’t believe it. I don’t think he’s that much of a sh*tbag to do that. I don’t think he is.
“I don’t get it. I really don’t get it. It’s crazy to me. Maybe he’s just all about himself, so full of himself that he doesn’t care about anyone around him. Maybe, I don’t know.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 298.