Alexander Volkanovski Snubs Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria to Pick Best Striker in the UFC

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski praises Brazilian star Mauricio Ruffy's performance at UFC Freedom 250.

Alexander Volkanovski Snubs Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria to Pick Best Striker in the UFC

Alexander Volkanovski weighs in on the best striker discussion (via Instagram)

Alexander Volkanovski is widely regarded as one of the most respected voices in mixed martial arts. While the Australian currently reigns as UFC featherweight champion, he is also considered one of the promotion’s most well-rounded fighters. Volkanovski showcased that knowledge at UFC Freedom 250, cornering Brazilian star Mauricio Ruffy during the historic June 14 card at the White House.

Ruffy was previously a member of the Fighting Nerds team alongside fellow Brazilians Caio Borralho, Jean Silva, and Carlos Prates. However, Ruffy later left the camp and worked primarily with City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, ahead of his UFC Freedom 250 bout against Michael Chandler. That training arrangement ultimately led to Volkanovski joining his corner at the White House event.

Volkanovski walked out with Ruffy’s team at the White House and played a key role in the Brazilian’s corner. His presence was rewarded as Ruffy dominated Chandler from the opening exchanges of the fight. The Brazilian secured a first-round knockout victory in one of the standout performances of UFC Freedom 250. Following the result, Volkanovski recently hailed Ruffy as one of the UFC’s best strikers.

Obviously [Ruffy] didn’t need help with his striking. As I’ve said multiple times this week, even before the fight and especially after it, I truly do believe he’s probably the best striker in the UFC. I do believe that, When it comes to the eye, accuracy, and understanding of the game, it’s next level…not a knock on Chandler, but I just know how good Ruffy is. I knew Chandler would look for the takedowns, but I knew it was going to be hard for him.

Alexander Volkanovski via The Ariel Helwani Show

However, Volkanovski’s assessment is debatable given the striking showcased in the UFC Freedom 250 main event. Justin Gaethje outclassed Ilia Topuria to capture the undisputed lightweight title. Gaethje landed 199 total strikes and 107 significant strikes before the Spaniard’s corner stopped the fight after four rounds. He also outlanded Topuria 65-21 in significant strikes across the final two rounds.

The UFC featherweight champion had also been highly complimentary of ‘El Matador’ before the White House showdown. Volkanovski pointed to Topuria’s performance at UFC 298, praising the Spaniard’s shot selection during the fight that ended with a knockout victory over him. Entering UFC Freedom 250, the Australian champion viewed the Georgian-Spanish star as the favorite to retain his lightweight title.

Mauricio Ruffy remains one of the UFC’s most dangerous strikers, having secured knockout victories over Rafael Fiziev and King Green during his rise through the promotion. However, the 30-year-old still has a long road ahead before reaching the top of the division. With Alexander Volkanovski’s guidance and influence now part of his development, he could eventually position himself as a future title contender.

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Alexander Volkanovski reveals rejecting backup option at UFC Freedom 250 may have hurt lightweight’s standing

Arman Tsarukyan spent an extended period in the UFC doghouse after a series of setbacks impacted his standing. Tsarukyan was overlooked for major opportunities as disciplinary concerns followed his rise. Those issues began after UFC 300, where Tsarukyan received a nine-month suspension for punching a fan. His situation worsened when he later withdrew from a UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev.

Alexander Volkanovski lashes out at UFC matchmaking
Alexander Volkanovski lashes out at UFC matchmaking (via MMA Mania)

However, UFC CEO Dana White finally offered Tsarukyan a major opportunity as the backup fighter for UFC Freedom 250. The Armenian declined, choosing to focus on his RAF 10 bout against Tony Ferguson. Tsarukyan believed both Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria would make it to fight night without issues. Volkanovski recently explained why that decision may not have been in his best interests.

So, Arman not doing that I think is gonna hurt him, as the UFC, they like to favor you if you do them a favor and be company man, they will look after you. Like Lopes, look at him. Look at the opportunities that blokes getting. He was at all of them [the big events], so they’re giving him this, they’re giving him that. He got two title fights in a row.

Alexander Volkanovski via Bussin with the Boys

Alexander Volkanovski has consistently held strong views on UFC matchmaking throughout his career. The featherweight champion previously questioned the promotion’s decision to book a second fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 325. He pointed out that several more active contenders had stronger claims to a title opportunity. His comments on Tsarukyan reflect that same belief in rewarding merit and availability.

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