Former three-time UFC title challenger Chad Mendes believes Alex Volkanovski has already done enough to be considered the greatest featherweight of all time – regardless of the result this weekend.
UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 | SUN 1 FEB 1PM AEDT | For the first time in his storied career, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his championship in his home city of Sydney, in a rematch with Brazil’s Diego Lopes. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
ULTIMATE GUIDE: Full fight card and how to watch in Australia
Volkanovski returns to the Octagon on Sunday looking to defend his UFC featherweight crown when he faces Diego Lopes in a rematch of their world title fight in Las Vegas last year.
The bout will be Volk’s first title defence on Australian soil and his first fight in Sydney in nearly a decade.
A win over the Brazilian would see Volkanovski draw level with former champion Jose Aldo’s record of eight UFC featherweight title victories, further strengthening a resumé many believe already places him at the top of the division’s all-time list.
“The proof is in the pudding – look at who he’s beaten,” Mendes told Talk Sport.
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“It wasn’t like fluke wins. He’s got multiple victories over some of the top guys.
“It wasn’t just an off night for someone – it’s happened multiple times.
“So it’s tough to say otherwise.”
Volkanovski has compiled arguably the most meaningful wins in featherweight history, defeating Max Holloway three times, along with Brian Ortega and ‘King of Rio’ himself Aldo.
The Wollongong icon is now 37 and many are wondering how much longer he can perform at the elite level.
“It’s one of those tough points in his career where he’s getting older,” Mendes said.
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Volk all class after Lopes staredown | 00:48
“He’s getting to the point where, as much as you don’t want it to happen, it’s going to happen, but you have to end it sooner or later.
“Obviously, I still think he’s at the top of his game and I think he’s going to win this fight.
“I remember that feeling of just like, ‘How many more do I have in me?’ At what point is it just me dragging it out and I’m just reaching?
“I know the struggle he’s probably going through right now.”
Former flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo believes Volkanovski cemented his GOAT status with his 2023 title win over Yair Rodriguez.
“Where does a win like this put Alexander Volkanovski?” Cejudo said on YouTube channel.
“What would you rank him? Would he eventually beat out a guy like Jose Aldo? My answer, guys, is 100 per cent.
“You know he’s going to bring a fight!” | 01:26
“Not only has he beaten Aldo, he’s gonna surpass his record through numbers, and in the fashion that he’s been doing it he’s been putting out the people who have put out Aldo.
“He’s done a tremendous job and what’s missing for Alexander Volkanovski after this fight is potentially another belt or another shot at 155 pounds.”
Former middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya shares the same view, believing Volkanovski sealed his legacy back in 2023.
“I was chasing that, I was chasing the greatest of all time and I still think I’m one of the greatest of all time, but I put Alex Volkanovski as the greatest of all time in my eyes,” Adesanya said ahead of UFC 293.
“I see the work he does, he’s my buddy, I love the way he fights and he’s one of my favourite fighters in history.”
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