In the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), one name shines brighter than the rest: Alexander Volkanovski. The reigning UFC featherweight champion has proven himself to be an unparalleled force, with only a select few challengers managing to find any semblance of success against him. Even in those rare cases, Volkanovski has tasted defeat just once in his last 24 bouts, cementing his dominance over the division.
In his most recent outing at UFC 290, “The Great” once again demonstrated his extraordinary skills by triumphing over the Mexican interim titlist, Yair Rodriguez. With a third-round ground and pound TKO, Volkanovski secured his fifth successful title defense. His performance showcased not only his exceptional well-roundedness but also drew immense praise from his fellow fighters. Among them, top lightweight contender Michael Chandler has unequivocally declared Volkanovski as the epitome of unbeatability.
During a recent episode of his YouTube channel, Chandler posed the question, “Is Alexander Volkanovski truly unbeatable?” With utmost conviction, he labeled the featherweight champion as “Alexander ‘The Great’,” a moniker that befits his unmatched prowess. Chandler proceeded to dissect his reasoning, highlighting three pivotal attributes that contribute to Volkanovski’s invincibility: completeness, cardio, and composure. According to Chandler, the Australian fighter stands as the epitome of perfection within the UFC roster and, indeed, the entire world of combat sports.
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“When I analyze Alexander Volkanovski’s game, I find his completeness to be unparalleled,” Chandler proclaimed. “His ability to outmaneuver his opponents in every position is nothing short of remarkable. Whether on his feet, adeptly managing distance and striking, or displaying an array of strikes that, though basic, have proven devastatingly effective, Volkanovski remains within his comfort zone even amidst his undeniable dominance.”
In the realm of featherweight (145 pounds), Volkanovski’s unbeaten record speaks for itself (16-0 in the UFC, 26-2 overall). However, his perfect run came to an end in February of this year when he sought to conquer new heights by challenging for the lightweight championship.
In his pursuit of dual-division glory, Volkanovski faced off against newly-crowned champion Islam Makhachev on his home turf in Australia. The clash of these two pound-for-pound greats was nothing short of legendary and left an indelible mark on the annals of MMA history. Ultimately, Makhachev emerged as the victor, claiming a closely-contested unanimous decision in his first title defense. Yet, Volkanovski’s valiant effort was so impressive that many spectators believed he deserved the nod or had done enough to retain his status as the best in the world, even above Makhachev. Remarkably, despite the shift in weight class, Volkanovski’s overall game remained steadfast, a testament to his unwavering dedication, as Chandler duly acknowledges.
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“Volkanovski refuses to abandon the essence of his fighting style that defines him,” Chandler admiringly stated. “His punches are hard-hitting yet fundamental, his striking techniques grounded in simplicity. With his hands and feet, he launches basic strikes, occasionally incorporating elbows and knees with precision. In the clinch against the cage, he excels in both offensive and defensive grappling exchanges, proving that no featherweight in existence can avoid being taken down.”
“As we witnessed in his battle with Islam Makhachev, Volkanovski showcased his grappling prowess even against a formidable lightweight opponent. The fight was a tightly contested affair, and it is my honest opinion that he is the rightful contender for that title shot,” Chandler asserted, underscoring the Australian champion’s remarkable capabilities.
In conclusion, Alexander Volkanovski has firmly established himself as an indomitable force within the realm of MMA. With his unparalleled completeness, unwavering cardio, and unyielding composure, he has carved a path of dominance that remains unmatched in the entire world. The featherweight division stands before a titan, an exemplar of the sport who has garnered praise from peers and fans alike. As Volkanovski’s reign continues, the MMA landscape eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters of his storied career.
