UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski recently shared his thoughts on the memorable first fight he had against Islam Makhachev. The Alexander Volkanovski Makhachev fight remains a significant moment in his career due to its competitiveness and the high stakes involved.
Volkanovski, known as ‘The Great,’ is widely regarded as one of the top fighters of his era. His notable achievements include becoming a two-time featherweight champion at 145 pounds. In his latest fight, he successfully defended his title by securing a second victory over Diego Lopes.
Challenging a Tough Opponent in the Lightweight Division
Before defending his featherweight title again, Volkanovski stepped up to the lightweight category to face Islam Makhachev for the championship belt. Although the second fight ended swiftly with a knockout, the initial encounter was fiercely contested. Many fans and analysts still debate whether Volkanovski deserved to win that opening match.
In a recent interview, Volkanovski reflected on his performance during that battle and the expectations surrounding it.
Volkanovski’s Thoughts on the Intense First Battle
We know how good Islam is until this day – look what he’s doing,
Volkanovski remarked in an interview with ENGAGE.
“Everyone knew that back then. He just hadn’t faced the guys yet to even get that type of resume. Even though his resume was still good, it wasn’t the resume he’s got now. But everyone knew he was that good. And me moving up against a guy that’s got that style, everyone thought there’s no way.”
So for me to go out there and do what I did, a lot of people thinking I won and just having that type of fight, me still being pound-for-pound No. 1 was still crazy. We broke records in Australia when you talk numbers and gates, and pay-per-views here in Australia. It was a massive fight, lived up to the hype, the storyline – everything around it was just incredible. Even though I lost, I still think it’s probably one of the biggest moments of my career.
The Fight’s Lasting Impact and What Lies Ahead
Volkanovski’s recounting highlights the fight’s significance both for him personally and for the UFC scene in Australia, where it drew record attendance and pay-per-view numbers. Despite his loss, the champion values that night as a pivotal experience in his journey.
Looking forward, there is speculation around what will come next for Volkanovski. Among the potential challengers, Ian Machado Garry has been mentioned by Michael Bisping as a possible contender for a future title shot, keeping the division active and competitive.
