UFC champion Volkanovski takes on the Hawks

The octagon is where three-time UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski has made a name for himself.

But on Wednesday at the WIN Entertainment Centre, the life-long Hawks fan was put to the on-court test by Illawarra players Duop Reath, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Sam Froling and Antonius Cleveland.

"This is something I've been looking forward to for some time, as I've always been a massive Hawks fan," said Volkanovski, who admits the region punches well above its weight in terms of sporting exploits.

"Being a proud Illawarra man, I support all other elite athletes and teams as much as I can and that's what today was all about - the Hawks players and I sharing some tips with each other on our respective sports.

"I know these Hawks players have always been big supporters of me over the years, so anyway I can help then, I will - I'll be here cheering as loud as I can come Saturday night."

During the one-hour Kayo shoot, run in conjunction with the UFC and NBL, Volkanovski took part in shooting, dribbling and passing challenges against the Hawks, before the 33-year-old taught the four players the ins and out of mixed martial arts.

"The boys gave me a couple of little tips on how to shoot but unfortunately they didn't work straight away but that's just being the competitive person I am," Volkanovski said.

"I took plenty away from our session together, which I'll definitely use next time I hit the court.

"I also had plenty of fun teaching them some of the tricks of my sporting craft, which I take a lot of pride in.

"Hopefully, they took as much away from today as I did and can use it on the court this season, which is shaping up to be a massive one for all Hawks fans."

Volkanovski wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the experience, with Hawks new Canadian import Xavier Rathan-Mayes loving the chance to rub shoulders with the world champion.

"This was a really special experience to be a part of, especially as my dad got me into boxing at a young age," the Hawks point guard said.

"I respect the number of tactics that go into a craft like his and to learn and pick the brain of the best in the world is something I'll never forget and I'm sure all us boys took plenty away from the experience."

Hawks president and co-owner Dorry Kordahi loved the concept of bringing two of the Illawarra's top entertainers together, to showcase their sporting exploits.

"It's fantastic for a long-time Hawks fan like Alex to come down pass on his insights and wisdom on what it takes to be a world champion," Kordahi said.

"He's one of the most distinguished athletes in the world currently and I know all our players have a huge amount of respect and admiration for what he's achieved in the UFC arena.

"Although this event showed how different each sport is, it showcased the elite talent we have here in the Illawarra currently and our boys can't wait to start the season and replicate some of Alex's extraordinary accomplishments."

Tickets for Saturday's NBL Blitz showdown between Illawarra and arch-rivals Sydney at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday are available via Ticketmaster.