Alexander Volkanovski has an abundance of memorable UFC victories, but it is a defeat that strikes him the most.
Volkanovski has been a supporting pillar at the top of the Vederweight Division for years, and even after Ilia Topuria brutally unleashed him at the beginning of last year, it was not long before the Australian brought his way back to the throne.
Last April Volkanovski won the title by beating Diego Lopes on UFC 314 and became two -time champion with a vintage performance in Miami.
That result has joined the dominant victories over Max Holloway and Yair Rodriguez on the illustrious CV of Volkanovski, but none of those victories marks the 'favorite' outing of the champion in the Achthoek.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Alexander Volkanovski mentions the five-round Islam Makhakev war as his 'favorite fight'
During a recent performance on cold with UFC legend Chuck Liddell, Volkanovski was asked if he has a “favorite fight” from his career on the largest stage in MMA.
In addition to the memorable title defense of Volkanovski against Brian Ortega, the Australian interesting the first of two losses for the then lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Before Volkanovski was eliminated in their short-notice rematch, Volkanovski went five rounds with Makhachev in an exciting and competitive battle in Australia. Many even believed that the home favorite had done enough to earn the victory over the score cards in Perth.
“Favorite fight I have ever been … I enjoyed – I clearly lost Islam fight, the first, but I really enjoyed that,” said Volkanovski.
“I love the fact that because of that fight – when it comes to clambering, I am usually good with the Takedown defense … but the fact that he was able to do all those steps with me, I thought it was a bit of a chess match.
“I really enjoyed that,” Volkanovski continued. “That is something that I really appreciated. I was able to go so deeply with the wrestling, struggling side of things.”
Alexander Volkanovski does not receive his opponent wish by the UFC
After his return to the featherweight throne in Miami this year, Volkanovski made clear what he wants afterwards.
Although some people might shy away from the most difficult tests in the late stage of their career, the Australian welcomes them instead. The unbeaten Movsar Evloev is the preference of Volkanovski, with 'Alexander the Great' to get the chance to give the Russian his first loss.
“I'm just going to fight, that's it,” Volkanovski Demetrious Johnson told about his desire to fight Evloev. “But there is so much more, right? There are pay-per-views, who you are, hype around you, how many finishes. We know that, and that's why I have:” I will fight against everyone. “
“But then you ask me who I would be most enthusiastic, it would probably be Movsar in the fact that he deserves it.
“He is unbeaten,” Volkanovski continued. “The last unbeaten guy I lost to, so I have not been able to take someone's zero yet. So there is another reason.”
The UFC, however, Evloev and booked him instead as a newcomer Aaron Pico. While that fight would go to Abu Dhabi on July 26 and the Russian would have given the chance to finally secure a first title shot, he withdrew due to an injury.
This keeps on the first defense of the second title line of Volkanovski up in the air.