‘This doesn’t happen’: Forgotten reality in Volk’s legacy as UFC stars weigh in on GOAT debate

Alex Volkanovski didn’t just defend his featherweight strap on Saturday afternoon – he reminded everyone in the sport why he’s still the man to beat.

Australia’s greatest ever MMA fighter proved his win last year was no accident with a unanimous decision victory over Lopes, marking the first defense in his second title reign as the 145-pound champ.

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The 37-year-old notched up his eight title victory at UFC 325 in Sydney, equalling UFC legend Jose Aldo’s record of featherweight championships.

Fighters across the UFC took to social media following the bout to praise Volkanovski’s masterclass.

“Volk is a timeless. He doesn’t slow down, just keeps bringing heat as he gets older,” former UFC star Ben Askren posted to X.

“Volk still got it, who said he was gonna retire? He’s still fresh,” Belal Muhammad posted.

“Great fight by @alexvolkanovski, he showed that you can get better at that age. I can’t wait to share a cage to show why I am different than these guys!” featherweight contender Movsar Evloev posted.

With the victory, the Wollongong icon’s resume is only getting stronger.

Many in the sport already consider Volkanovski the featherweight GOAT, and now that he has drawn equal with Aldo’s mighty record there can’t be many doubters left.

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.

And now Lopes – twice.

Featherweight has seen some great fighters over the years, but rarely longevity combined with such prolonged dominance.

“The Great” has seen off wrestlers, strikers, legends, rising stars and former champs.

Ex-champion Henry Cejudo had no doubts about where Volk stands among the greats.

“Greatest featherweight of all-time,” he posted to X after the fight.

Kevin Vallejos echoed those thoughts: “Volk is the best featherweight ever,” he posted.

Brad Tavares was also impressed, posting “@alexvolkanovski is one of the most complete mma fighters ever!”

Former UFC star Jake Ellenberger wrote: “Volk is incredible. Calm, composed and makes adjustments so well.”

During Volk’s post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, he expressed his interest to fight the next available challenger, whether it be Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy.

However, dangerous contender Jean Silva was quick to put his hand up.

“You’re a legend brother, but I’m coming for everything,” he posted to X.

MMA pundits also weighed in on Volk’s latest triumph.

“Who would have thought after the two losses to Islam and Ilia, that he would come back and look like this?” Ariel Helwani posted on X.

“This doesn’t happen.

“I know he just beat the same guy twice, but at 37 to come back from two devastating knockouts where it seemed like he may have lost his head – lost everything – to come back and do this, this guy’s legacy – we are going to appreciate him even more when he is gone for what he is doing in the tail-end of his career.”

Even with everything Volkanovski has accomplished, he is incredibly humble, and doesn’t place himself at the top of the featherweight GOAT list.

“That’s for other people to decide, but for me, if you’re going to ask me, I’m going to say Aldo because he was the champion for a very long time,” Volkanovski said in 2025.

“Obviously, people are going to look at the competition and all that, but to be champion for that long, things go wrong.

“You fight injured, there’s so many things that can go wrong, and to be champion that long, it’s saying something.

“He was very dominant as a champion as well, so full respect to Aldo.”