Podcaster and social media influencer Jordan Simi has surprised UFC champion Alex Volkanovski by asking to hold hands with him during an upcoming interview.

The undefeated featherweight champion, who is currently preparing  for his February 12 showdown with lightweight champ Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in Perth, sat down with Simi recently while doing press for the bout.

Simi, a former rugby league player turned influencer and podcaster, released a clip of the awkward moment from his interview with 'The Great' earlier in the week.

In the video, the podcaster reaches out to Volkanovski and asks, 'Do you mind if we hold hands?'

Volkanovski smiles and looks confused at the request before asking, 'Is that legit?'  

Simi quickly realises the fighter isn't interested in touching and backtracks.

'No? Wrong vibe. Wrong vibe,' he says

UFC fans on social media had a field day with the clip, with many finding Volkanovski's reaction hilarious.

'Volk wanted to trade hands not hold them,' said one Twitter user.

'Volk looked into the camera like it was The Office,' commented another. 

'Volk handled that so well,' wrote a third. 

Simi made headlines in 2022 when he took on Brisbane Broncos legend Justin Hodges in a boxing match - losing all four rounds in a unanimous decision. 

Hodges even gave credit to his opponent afterwards, telling fans: 'If I had a hat I'd take it off to Simi, I think, for being an influencer he's a strong guy.'

The former Broncos captain admitted he struggled to hit Simi at one stage, explaining: 'I did find it hard to land that right hand.'