Alexander Volkov is changing his perspective after continuing to be ignored.

The Russian heavyweight has fought 20 times in the UFC and appeared in seven main events since signing for the promotion in 2016.

Volkov has still yet to challenge for the title, despite winning seven of his last eight fights and being the most deserving contender in the eyes of many fans.

While ‘Drago’ has been frustrated by the constant snubs in the past, he has now decided to move past his goal of chasing the heavyweight gold on MMA’s biggest stage.

Alexander Volkov is no longer ‘hunting’ the UFC heavyweight title

Just about everybody agreed that Volkov was ‘robbed’ against Gane in their December 2024 rematch.

Since then, the Russian heavyweight has watched as the Frenchman continued to receive opportunities, the latest being his win over Alex Pereira to become interim heavyweight champion.

‘Bon Gamin’ is now the undisputed titleholder after Tom Aspinall vacated the throne. Volkov, meanwhile, remains a snubbed figure high up the heavyweight ladder.

Volkov’s awkward interaction with Dana White at the UFC 333 press conference suggested he is tired of not knowing how he can secure a title shot.

A week later, though, ‘Drago’ looks to have given up chasing the championship.

“I’m not hunting for this title and the belt,” Volkov said during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show.

“This belt doesn’t define me. I’m still a champion by myself. I understand who I am, where I am, what I can do, which guys I can beat. The fighter who has the belt defines what the belt means.

“You should have a guy who’s proved his record, who can beat everyone, who’s a real martial artist,” he continued. “Not just somebody who breaks the rules every fight or tries to injure his opponents.

“I respect everybody. I fight clean. I fight in a good way, and I’m still the best in the game. I don’t use any drugs. I’ve been a clean athlete all my life. I’m just a true martial artist.

“If I have the belt, the fact that I’m a champion defines the belt and its value, not the opposite.”

By the sounds of it, Volkov plans to continue what he has been doing during the most impressive run of his Octagon career to date.

If that eventually brings a shot at the heavyweight belt, so be it. But he won’t be letting the promotion affect how he views his championship credentials by favoring bigger names and personalities.