Does Alexander Volkanovski Deserve Recognition as One of Australia's Greatest Athletes?
When Australians debate their sporting immortals, certain legendary figures inevitably dominate the conversation. The statistical dominance of Sir Don Bradman with his mythical 99.94 batting average. The unprecedented Olympic success of Emma McKeon, whose gold medal collection could adorn two full weeks. The iconic moment of Cathy Freeman lighting the cauldron before her historic Sydney 2000 triumph. These are the benchmarks against which all Australian sporting achievements are measured.
The Fighting Tradition and Volkanovski's Emergence
Australia's combat sports heritage boasts formidable names like Jeff Fenech, "John" Wayne Parr, and adopted champion Kostya Tszyu. Yet in the relatively young sport of mixed martial arts, one Australian has risen to unprecedented heights. Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski has not merely participated in the UFC—he has dominated it in ways no other Australian fighter has achieved.
Statistical Dominance in the Octagon
Following his decisive victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 325 in Sydney, Volkanovski's professional record stands at an impressive 28-4 with 16 finishes. More significantly, his six successful title defenses place him second all-time in the featherweight division's history. With eight title fight victories, he has tied the division record—a testament to his sustained excellence against elite competition.
Unmatched Australian UFC Achievements
While Robert Whittaker and Jack Della Maddalena have held UFC gold, neither matched Volkanovski's championship pedigree. Whittaker's middleweight reign from 2017 to 2019 included no successful defenses, while Della Maddalena lost his welterweight title in his first defense. Volkanovski stands alone as Australia's only multiple-time UFC champion with multiple successful title defenses—a distinction elevating him above all Australian UFC predecessors.
Iconic Moments That Define a Career
Great athletes create unforgettable moments, and Volkanovski's career has been rich with dramatic highlights. His miraculous escape from Brian Ortega's deep guillotine choke demonstrated extraordinary resilience. His ability to continue fighting effectively even when Islam Makhachev had taken his back showcased his relentless determination. Most recently, his comeback from consecutive knockout losses to reclaim the featherweight title at age 36 against a younger opponent added another remarkable chapter to his legacy.
Peer Recognition and Historical Context
Every undisputed featherweight title fight in UFC history has featured one of three men: Volkanovski, Max Holloway, or Jose Aldo. Volkanovski not only defeated both legendary predecessors but dominated his trilogy with Holloway. The UFC's promotional materials increasingly position him as the division's greatest, while former opponents like Chad Mendes acknowledge his supremacy through "multiple victories over some of the top guys."
Damien Brown, a UFC veteran who entered the promotion alongside Volkanovski, offered this assessment before UFC 325: "I think if Volk wins it would be hard to argue he isn't the GOAT. He certainly is the best featherweight of the modern era."
Cultural Impact and Popular Appeal
Mixed martial arts in Australia has evolved dramatically from its early days of regulatory challenges. The UFC's growing popularity Down Under is undeniable, with Melbourne hosting the promotion's two most-attended events globally. Volkanovski has transcended the sport, becoming a mainstream figure through sponsorship deals with major brands like Sportsbet and Kia. His homecoming event at UFC 325 sold out Qudos Bank Arena with 18,102 fans—a testament to his drawing power.
The Athlete's Perspective on Legacy
When questioned about his place among Australian sporting icons, Volkanovski characteristically deflected personal praise. "I'll just keep doing my thing and let that speak for itself," he stated at the post-fight press conference. "Let people do the talking, you know? I ain't the one that'll sit there going 'oh, I should be there, I should be there.'"
The Verdict on Australian Sporting Greatness
Damien Brown perhaps best captured the complexity of this debate: "He should be in the conversation with some of the country's best in any sport. Is he on the level of Don Bradman? I'm not sure because that's an iconic or immortal conversation."
While definitive judgments about historical standing often require temporal distance, Volkanovski's achievements are undeniable. His statistical dominance, championship success, memorable performances, and impact on Australian combat sports present a compelling case for inclusion among Australia's sporting elite. As mixed martial arts continues to grow in recognition and prestige, Volkanovski's legacy as Australia's most accomplished UFC champion seems destined to endure—whether he claims the status himself or lets his record speak volumes.
