A training partner of UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski collapsed from exhaustion during a brutal fight-week challenge ahead of UFC 333. The footage shared by Volkanovski shows the teammate, identified as Mikey. He passed out on an assault bike after an intense conditioning drill. His teammates rushed to his aid. The incident happened as Volkanovski and his Freestyle Fighting Gym team arrived in Abu Dhabi for his title defence against Movsar Evloev on October 24. The champion described the drill as “pretty crazy”. He said it has become a tradition whenever new members join the team during fight week.
Alexander Volkanovski’s team challenge takes an intense turn as a participant passes out and the group rushes to check on him. ???????? Via @alexvolkanovski https://t.co/wz5gnq3aG7
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 19, 2026
Alexander Volkanovski’s brutal challenge pushes teammates to the limit
The challenge began with Mikey and another training partner, Casey, taking turns kicking pads at high intensity for more than 10 minutes. Neither showed signs of stopping, and the session then moved to assault bikes. The pair were asked to pedal as hard as possible while trying to move an object on the floor.
The speed eventually caught up with Mikey. He dropped his head onto the handlebars and appeared to pass out. This urged Volkanovski to ask, “Did he pass out?” His teammates helped him to the floor and urged him to stay calm while he recovered from exhaustion.
Alexander Volkanovski later admitted that the challenge has caused problems before. He said participants have previously vomited and suffered pulled hamstrings.
Volkanovski calls it an ‘absolute war’
The video offered an unusually raw look at the environment around Volkanovski’s camp. Rather than a routine training montage, it showed the champion’s team using extreme conditioning tests to welcome newcomers. The tests were designed to push their mental and physical limits.
Volkanovski and his team had endured a long journey to Abu Dhabi. Reports said they travelled for around 24 hours. They then completed multiple sessions, including a double training day. The challenge came after pad work, making the physical toll even greater.
Casey ultimately won the contest, but the focus quickly shifted to Mikey’s condition. Volkanovski called the exchange an “absolute war”, while making clear that the moment had become more serious. It was no longer just a normal gym competition.
The scare came during a crucial stretch for Volkanovski. He is preparing to defend his featherweight belt against the unbeaten Evloev. The fight takes place at Etihad Arena. The champion has predicted a finish, saying there is “no way” Evloev can outwork him across 25 minutes.
UFC 333 also features a bantamweight title trilogy between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. But for Volkanovski, the week began with a reminder of how demanding his camp culture can be. That is true even for those not scheduled to step into the Octagon.