Alexander Volkanovski is widely regarded as one of the greatest champions in the UFC featherweight division. Despite his impressive career, he recently lost the 145-pound title in a shocking upset to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. The bout, heavily anticipated due to the pre-fight tension and Topuria’s bold claims, ended with Volkanovski being knocked out cold in the second round, marking a significant shift in the division.
Before the fight, many expected Volkanovski to teach the brash Topuria a lesson, given the latter’s perceived arrogance. However, on fight night, it was Volkanovski who experienced a humbling defeat. Topuria’s victory was decisive, and it left fans and analysts contemplating the impact had Volkanovski emerged victorious instead.
Volkanovski’s reign at featherweight had already solidified his legacy. Known for his dominant performances and comprehensive skill set, he had previously cleared out much of the division’s top talent. The change in the division’s dynamics with Topuria as the new champion has been noteworthy. Topuria, since capturing the title, has not yet defended it and remains unbooked for any upcoming fights, despite ongoing discussions with Max Holloway.
The difference in priorities between Topuria and Volkanovski has influenced the division significantly. While Topuria seems less inclined to defend his title against the top contenders due to their previous losses to Volkanovski, this shift has rejuvenated the aspirations of fighters like Brian Ortega and Max Holloway. Ortega and Holloway, both having lost to Volkanovski, now see a renewed path to the title with Topuria as the champion.
Had Volkanovski won, the featherweight division would have likely remained unchanged in terms of its hierarchy. Ortega’s win over Yair Rodriguez wouldn’t have been enough for a title shot, and Holloway, despite his achievements, would still be far from another title opportunity due to his three losses to Volkanovski. The UFC would have continued to seek new challengers for Volkanovski, potentially setting up fights with fresh faces like Aljamain Sterling and Movsar Evloev, who were seen as viable contenders.
In this alternate scenario, the division would have been on the brink of being cleaned out by Volkanovski. Max Holloway, unable to secure another featherweight title shot, might have focused entirely on competing at lightweight. Volkanovski’s dominance would have continued, with him methodically defeating every challenger at 145 pounds, maintaining his status as the all-conquering champion.
Ultimately, the loss to Topuria has opened up the featherweight division, creating new opportunities and dynamics that would have remained stagnant under Volkanovski’s continued reign.
