Following the conclusion of the month’s biggest sporting event, Superbowl 58, we’ve now entered UFC 298 fight week. The event in Las Vegas will be headlined by the long-reigning featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, as he defends his belt against Ilia Topuria at the T-Mobile Arena. In the build-up to the fight, Volkanovski has been involved in a hilarious commercial for Sportsbet.com.au, which dropped on Friday, February 9.
Dressed as a senior citizen in his garden, the advert begins with Volkanovski reading a faux newspaper that runs with the headline ‘Volk’s too old.’
Volkanovski – ‘Senior Citizen’
In order to prove that he’s not past his best, the UFC Featherweight Champion invited the sportsbet.com.au crew into his home to show them that he’s still a youthful man and has what it takes to still perform at the highest level. What happens next is a series of humorous skits which ultimately prove the newspaper to be correct.
As Volkanovski chops onions in his living room, he explains that Dana White and the UFC phone him every time he considers retirement, asking him to step in at late notice and save the upcoming event. The phone then rings, but rather than the UFC calling with a fight offer, it’s the ‘taxation office.’ Volk proceeds to give his credit card details over the phone but is interrupted by the crew, who tells him to hang up the phone as he is being scammed.
Soon after, he is seen complaining about his neighbor’s fence encroaching on his property and reveals that he has an upcoming court case at the local council to resolve the dispute. His neighbor, Beverley, then hilariously appears over the fence and screams, ”What did you say, little fighter boy? See you in court, mate.”
After sheepishly retreating from the obnoxious neighbor, Volknaovski loads up a VHS tape, supposedly of his upcoming opponent. The footage has been taped over by the coronation of King Charles, and shortly after Volkanovski claims his opponent has no cardio, he falls asleep in his chair.
The commercial is well-written and shows a lighter side to Volkanovski. Unlike other sports stars who appear in ads, the UFC Champion shows great comedic timing, and his acting skills do not come across as corny in any way. Perhaps there may be post-fight options for Volkanovski on the big screen one day?
For now, he has a cage fight to attend this weekend at UFC 298 under the bright lights of the T-Mobile Arena. If he manages to overcome Ilia Topuria and defend his belt for the sixth time, there won’t be many doubters left who claim Volkanovski to be ‘over the hill.’
You can see the commercial Volkanovski recorded for Sportsbet.com.au below:
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