ARTICLE AD BOX
Alexander Volkanovski has shown us how, until just a few years ago, he was considered one of the best fighters in the world, and today he is on the verge of retiring from the sport.
The beginning of 2023 was a period when many still considered Volkanovski the best fighter in the UFC, even though he suffered his first defeat to Islam Makhachev. He was recognized as an extremely brave fighter who managed to put up a strong fight against a fighter from a higher category. Many even claimed that he deserved the victory, and Volkanovski was the featherweight champion at the time. In the middle of the year, he defended his title against Yair Rodriguez, and everyone was waiting for a big rematch with Makhachev.
However, the problem arose when this amazing fighter decided to accept a rematch against Makhachev on very short notice, just ten days before the fight. His desire to please the fans and his belief in his own abilities weren't enough to win, and Makhachev knocked him out in the first round, completely eroding interest in their fight.
Career defeat
After just four months, this great fighter agreed to fight Ilya Topuria, a fighter known for his brutal punches. After a second-round knockout to Topuria, Volkanovski suffered his third loss in just a year, which dropped him to 11th place in the UFC's "P4P" rankings.
In a few weeks, Volkanovski will have a chance to return to the top when he faces Diego Lopes. In the meantime, it sounds like he's considering retirement.
"I expect to do a few more fights, we'll see. Maybe I'll win the belt and decide I want a few more fights," Volkanovski said, adding that he plans to consider retirement after he gives it his all.
This year may be the last for one of the best fighters ever.
The fans want to watch him for a while longer, but it is clear that this fighter feels that his prime is over, and wants to leave the chance to younger fighters.
English (US)