Alexander Volkanovski: “The Great” Eyes Historic Second Reign as UFC Featherweight Champion

The fight game never fails to deliver those spine-tingling comeback stories that remind us why we love MMA. Alexander Volkanovski just gave us another one for the books when he reclaimed his featherweight throne this past April against Diego Lopes in vintage fashion.

If you’ve been following “The Great” throughout his career, you know his resilience is unmatched. But what’s next for the reinstated champ? I got the chance to dig deep into Volkanovski’s mindset as he embarks on this second championship journey.

The Comeback That Shocked the MMA World

Let’s not sugarcoat it – when Volkanovski lost his belt, many wondered if we’d seen the best of the Australian fighter. Critics questioned whether his brief and unsuccessful move up to lightweight had permanently derailed his featherweight dominance.

Boy, were they wrong.

Against Lopes, we witnessed the return of the calculated, technically brilliant Volkanovski who had previously defended his title three times. His performance wasn’t just a victory – it was a statement that echoed throughout the UFC.

“This feels different than the first time I won the belt,” Volkanovski told me. “When you lose something you’ve worked so hard for, getting it back means even more. I’m hungrier than ever.”

What Makes This Second Championship Run Special?

The landscape of the featherweight division has evolved since Volkanovski first claimed the title. New contenders have emerged, styles have adapted, and the target on his back has only grown larger.

Here’s how Volkanovski’s second reign compares to his first:

The Evolved Champion

What struck me during our conversation was Volkanovski’s perspective on growth. He’s not simply trying to replicate his past success – he’s building upon it.

“Losing made me reassess everything – my training, my approach to fights, even my mindset,” Volkanovski explained. “I’m a completely different fighter now, and that’s bad news for anyone trying to take this belt.”

This evolution isn’t just talk. His performance against Lopes showed new wrinkles in his game – improved head movement, more diverse striking combinations, and an even more suffocating pace than we’ve seen before.

Potential Challengers Awaiting “The Great”

The featherweight division isn’t short on hungry contenders looking to dethrone Volkanovski. When I asked him about potential matchups, he didn’t shy away from naming names.

“This division is stacked, and that’s exactly how I want it,” he said with that characteristic confidence. “Whether it’s Ilia Topuria looking for revenge, Max Holloway trying for a fourth time, or any of these young killers coming up – I’m ready to prove why I’m the best featherweight on the planet.”

The mention of Topuria seemed to particularly energize Volkanovski. Their potential rematch has “Fight of the Year” written all over it, especially given how their first encounter ended.

The Legacy Question

Few fighters get the opportunity to build two separate championship legacies within the same division. When I brought this up, Volkanovski’s eyes lit up.

“That’s exactly what motivates me now. The first run was about proving I belonged. This second run? It’s about cementing myself as the greatest featherweight of all time. No debate.”

And honestly, he’s not wrong. If he manages to string together another series of title defenses against this new generation of contenders, the GOAT conversation becomes unavoidable.

What’s Next for Volkanovski?

While no official announcement has been made regarding Volkanovski’s next title defense, rumors suggest we could see him back in the octagon by late 2023 or early 2024.

The Australian champion hasn’t been shy about his desire to stay active, potentially defending his belt 2-3 times in the next year if his body holds up.

“Age is just a number, but I’m not naive,” he admitted. “I feel better than ever, but I want to make the most of these prime years. That means staying active and taking on all comers.”

The Lightweight Question

I had to ask – does the lightweight division still call to him after his previous attempts?

His response was measured but revealing: “Featherweight is my kingdom, and securing that legacy is priority number one. But I’d be lying if I said I don’t think about unfinished business at 155. One step at a time though.”

The Champion’s Message to Fans

Before wrapping our conversation, Volkanovski wanted to send a message directly to his supporters:

“To everyone who stuck with me through the ups and downs – this second chapter is for you. We’re just getting started, and I promise you’ll see the best version of Alexander Volkanovski every time I step into that octagon.”

For a fighter whose career has been defined by exceeding expectations, those words carry serious weight. If his performance against Lopes is any indication, the second reign of “The Great” might just surpass the first.

Ready to Follow Volkanovski’s Second Championship Journey?

As Alexander Volkanovski begins this new chapter, the MMA world watches with anticipation. Will he surpass his first reign? Can he cement himself as the greatest featherweight of all time? Or will one of the division’s hungry contenders dethrone him once again?

What do you think about Volkanovski’s chances in his second championship run? Drop your predictions in the comments below or share this article with a fellow MMA fan to keep the conversation going!

Source: UFC Official Website