All articles tagged with #volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski predicts Max Holloway will defeat Conor McGregor at UFC 329, suggesting McGregor may not be in his prime while Holloway’s improved defense and durability could carry him to victory or a late finish, in McGregor’s Las Vegas comeback.
Volkanovski says his next featherweight title defense hasn’t been officially locked in and should be announced after UFC Freedom 250, with a September date (potentially UFC 331) on the horizon; he believes Movsar Evloev is the rightful No.1 contender and wants the fight next, even noting he could defend the belt after his 38th birthday.
Volkanovski says Evloev should lean on his wrestling rather than stand and trade with him, after Evloev defeated Lerone Murphy at UFC London; he argues the undefeated Russian should fight as a grappler when they meet for the featherweight title, with no excuses about style.
Volkanovski says Movsar Evloev appears to be next in line for the featherweight title after Evloev’s win at UFC London, praising his stronger stand-up and takedown game, but he remains skeptical the UFC will grant the shot given last year’s lineup decisions.
Volkanovski revealed his top-five MMA GOAT list—Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre, Islam Makhachev, Israel Adesanya, and Anderson Silva—with Khabib Nurmagomedov as an honorable mention, praising Islam while noting that GOAT debates hinge on résumé versus dominance and highlighting his iconic Perth bout.
Alexander Volkanovski retained the featherweight title at UFC 325 with a largely predictable rematch against Diego Lopes, prompting debate about its impact on his legacy and the UFC’s matchmaking, which some viewed as more beneficial for Volkanovski’s marketability than for meaningful competition. The night also featured notable moments for Benoit Saint Denis and Mauricio Ruffy, while operational snags and a weigh-in fiasco involving Aaron Tau—and Bam Bam Tuivasa’s slide—hung over the card as the night’s low points.
Volkanovski battled through a seriously injured shoulder—coach Joe Lopez said they didn’t think he’d fight four weeks out—to win a five-round decision over Diego Lopes and defend the UFC featherweight title, becoming the oldest champion to do so at 37. Lopes threatened moments but Volkanovski stayed composed and on top, with Evloev and Murphy lined up as potential next challengers and Volkanovski signaling openness to additional bouts, possibly extending his run for several more years.
Alexander Volkanovski retained the UFC featherweight title with a unanimous decision over Diego Lopes in Sydney, while Benoît Saint-Denis stopped Dan Hooker in the second round, Mauricio Ruffy knocked out Rafael Fiziev in the second, Tallison Teixeira outpointed Tai Tuivasa, and Quillan Salkilld submitted Jamie Mullarkey on a card that showcased strong local talent and notable momentum shifts.
Alexander Volkanovski expressed confusion over featherweight contender Jean Silva's plan to train with Ilia Topuria to 'break' him, a remark tied to Silva's post-UFC 325 comments after Volkanovski dominated Diego Lopes to extend his 145-pound title reign. Silva had unfollowed Volkanovski's teammate Mauricio Ruffy amid the drama, and Volkanovski labeled Silva's move as 'butthurt.' He also reiterated interest in facing Movsar Evloev next, though UFC scheduling appears to line up Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy instead.
Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision in UFC 325 to retain the featherweight title, while Lopes was sent to a Sydney hospital with suspected foot injuries from the five-round bout; Volkanovski controlled the action with sharp footwork and countering, including a late flash knockdown, as the judges’ scorecards read 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46.
Alexander Volkanovski defended his featherweight title in a five‑round rematch with Diego Lopes at UFC 325 and earned Fight Of The Night (both fighters received $100,000). Dana White also unveiled a new $25,000 stoppage bonus for winners, awarded to Keiichiro Nakamura, Benoit St. Denis, Billy Elekana, Cameron Rowston and Jonathan Micallef; Quillan Salkilld earned $100,000 for Performance Of The Night, and Mauricio Ruffy received a six‑figure payout for his stoppage.
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski dismissed Jean Silva’s bold challenge after UFC 325, suggesting Silva is angry about Volkanovski’s training partnership with Rafael “Ruffy” and denying any personal feud. Volkanovski says he planned to train with Ruffy anyway and will defend the belt against whoever UFC books next, with Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy as top contenders, while Silva remains hopeful for a title shot.
Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision in UFC 325 to defend his featherweight title in a closely watched rematch, marking the first defense of his second reign, with fighters reacting to the win on social media.
Australian UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision at UFC 325 in Sydney, extending his control of the division.
Ahead of UFC 325 in Sydney, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski said retirement could come after the event if he’s beaten up or if he can’t keep winning, stressing he doesn’t plan another resurgence and there’s a limit to how long he’ll stay in the sport; the card features a rematch with Diego Lopes, whom he beat last April, and Bloody Elbow polls show fans largely expect him to defend the title on home soil.