Alexander Volkanovski went from one of the most hated hunters on the UFC schedule to the most loved one.
With five title defenses and an active power of schedule against Champs Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev, it is difficult to imagine why someone would cherish resentment opposite the former UFC Federweight Champion.
From December 2019 to February 2024, Alexander Volkanovski ruled as a model champion and successfully defended his title several times against Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, the Korean Zombie and Yair Rodriguez.
Despite his umbrella success, there was a certain time when Volkanovski was most not appreciated with many fans praying about his downfall.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Alexander Volkanovski the most hated after Max Holloway Rematch
The dark days in Volkanovski's UFC title government started after his split decision victory in the beloved former champion and one of the greatest featherweights of all time in Max Holloway on UFC 251.
This was the second victory of Volkanovski in Holloway, the champion defeated his rival in a more decisive way at UFC 245.
The UFC world was in a commotion with two jury members who scored the fight for Volkanovski, many believe that Holloway had done enough to get the first three rounds of Volkanovski.
Volkanovski would not hear the end for many months.
His social media were flooded with comments from '3-2 Holloway', fans who labeled him a paper champion.
Volkanovski began to earn more respect after beating Brian Ortega and the Korean zombie in his next title defense, but the question was still asked: was Volkanovski the best featherweight in the world or was it Holloway?
Volkanovski answered all of this and more in his trilogy fight with Max Holloway on UFC 276 on July 2, 2022.
Alexander Volkanovski 50-45'ed Max Holloway in trilogy
Holloway did not look like he lost his step after losing Volkanovski, returning with vintage victories over Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez. Volkanovski, however, was just two steps for the Fighting Hawaiian in their last meeting.
In the course of five rounds, Volkanovski became exhausted and bloody Holloway in the striking department.
Volkanovski opened his toolbox with jabs and leg shovels, giving Holloway a skewed unanimous decision loss, a filthy cut over his eye and his very first 50-45 Scorecard.
The three jury members all scored for Volkanovski, putting their rivalry and some doubts about who the better hunter went to bed.
Alexander Volkanovski defeated a fan favorite to become one himself, UFC star has then reached unimaginable heights.
Volkanovski will take on Diego Lopes on Saturday for the vacant featherweight title in the main event of UFC 314.
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