Has Alexander Volkanovski ever competed at lightweight in his MMA career?
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Australian MMA superstar Alexander Volkanovski is set to serve as the backup fighter for the main event between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. Currently on a 22-fight win streak in his career, ‘The Great’ also serves as the featherweight champion of the promotion. However, with him travelling to Abu Dhabi, many wonder how Volkanovski would do if he had to fight at 155.
Despite having fought only once at lightweight in his UFC career, Alexander Volkanovski does not lack experience in competing at 155-pounds. Before his career in the UFC, Volkanovski competed at lightweight in various promotions. The Aussie made his lightweight debut against Greg Atzori and won the fight via submission in round one. This victory earned Volkanovski the Roshambo MMA Lightweight Championship.
In his next bout at lightweight, Volkanovski defended his 155-pound Roshambo MMA lightweight crown against Jai Bradney. Once again, ‘The Great’ walked out successful, as he won the fight in round one. This title defense also marked Volkanovski’s last fight in Roshambo MMA. His next fight at lightweight came against David Butt at Wollongong Wars 2. Having already established an impressive winning streak, the Aussie was once again the victor as won via TKO in round two.
The impressive victory against David Butt led Volkanovski to a shot at the Wollongong lightweight championship. ‘The Great’ took on Jai Bradney in a rematch to fulfil his quest for the title. He won the fight via TKO in round one. Having secured the 155-pound title of Wollongong Wars, Volkanovski was called up for a fight in the UFC. He made his promotional debut against Yusuke Kasha at UFC Fight Night 101. Volkanovski secured a second-round TKO win and later announced he would move to featherweight.
Alexander Volkanovski has set his sights on the UFC lightweight title
Since his debut in the UFC, Alexander Volkanovski has been a force to reckon with. Securing the 145-pound championship, ‘The Great’ is currently on a 12-fight win streak in the promotion. However, Volkanovski’s hunger hasn’t subsided. The Aussie looks to add more to his legacy, as he eyes becoming a double champion in the UFC.
After announcing he would serve as the backup fighter for the lightweight title fight at UFC 280, the fighter made a statement that expressed his ambitions towards achieving the lightweight title. On his YouTube channel, Volkanovski said, “I’ll be at UFC 280 to make weight and looking forward to it. Let’s see what happens. If someone doesn’t make it, I’m there to save the day. If I’m not, then at least I’m locked in as the next guy to fight for that lightweight title and that’s that.”
Whether he competes at UFC 280 or not, Volkanovski has made his desire clear. However, this isn’t the first time he is speaking about attaining double champ status. Previously too, the Aussie spoke of winning the lightweight championship. During an interview with James Lynch, he once said, “When people ever ask me if I think of a move to lightweight, it is double champ status, while I still got both belts. The role of lightweight champ and featherweight champ, that’s my vision.”
Through his statements, Alexander Volkanovski seems extremely motivated about competing at lightweight. However, it will be interesting to see how Vokanovski fares at 155-pounds in the UFC. With some extremely tough fighters in the division, Volkanovski’s inclusion at lightweight will be a treat for the fans.
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