When Alexander Volkanovski nearly got Jamal Murray in a grappling session in 2023 😅 (via @alexvolkanovski)

In the world of sports, we often see athletes from different disciplines interact, train together, or even compete in friendly challenges. But when a fighter like UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski and NBA star Jamal Murray engage in a grappling session, it’s bound to generate some buzz — especially when things get as close as they did in 2023. Volkanovski, known for his dominant wrestling and grappling skills, nearly got the best of Murray in a training session, and let’s just say, it made for one entertaining spectacle.

In a video posted by Volkanovski on his social media (@alexvolkanovski), fans were treated to a rare crossover moment between two athletes from completely different worlds. The footage showed Volkanovski — the multi-time champion who’s dominated the UFC’s 145-pound division — giving Murray, a guard for the Denver Nuggets, a taste of what it’s like to grapple with one of the best mixed martial artists in the world.

At first, it looked like it would be a light-hearted, fun training session between two athletes who respect each other’s craft. However, what followed was a series of intense exchanges that showed just how difficult it is to escape Volkanovski’s world-class grappling game. Murray, known for his sharp shooting and electric style on the basketball court, found himself in a situation that few would have predicted. The basketball star, caught in an uncomfortable position, nearly tapped out as Volkanovski expertly worked his way through Murray’s defense, inching closer to a submission.

Despite the obvious difference in their respective sports, Murray held his own during parts of the session. As a professional athlete, he’s no stranger to the physical demands of training, and he’s incredibly athletic, but grappling is an entirely different beast. Volkanovski, who has a background in wrestling and is renowned for his control, was quick to demonstrate why his grappling is feared in the UFC. With precise movements and relentless pressure, Volkanovski showed Murray exactly how easily things can escalate in a grappling session.

Murray, on the other hand, seemed to take it all in stride, laughing and clearly enjoying the experience. It was clear that while the challenge was tough, he respected Volkanovski’s skill and took the opportunity as a learning moment. In the end, despite Volkanovski nearly securing a submission, Murray managed to escape unscathed, proving he has the resilience of an athlete used to facing pressure — albeit not in the form of a UFC champion on the mats.

For Volkanovski, the session also served as a reminder of just how difficult it can be to face off against someone with his level of grappling expertise. While Murray didn’t tap out or suffer a submission, the session showcased how even elite athletes can find themselves in over their heads when dealing with a specialist in a different sport.

This friendly grappling match was more than just a fun crossover moment; it was a testament to the versatility and athleticism required to excel in both basketball and MMA. The session ended with Murray smiling and joking, clearly respecting Volkanovski’s abilities but also showing that he wasn’t afraid to step into unfamiliar territory.

While Jamal Murray might not have walked away with a win in the grappling session, the video posted by Volkanovski provided fans with a lighthearted reminder that even the most skilled athletes from different sports can find themselves in a position of vulnerability when stepping out of their comfort zones. And for fans of both the NBA and UFC, it was an unforgettable moment that blurred the lines between two very different athletic worlds.