Don’t know who Alexander Volkanovski? Then this probably isn’t the website for you.
He’s the Aussie MMA champ who's got resilience tattooed on his soul. He’s been grinding away in the octagon for 12 solid years, and now? He's gearing up for a surprise brawl on just 12 days’ notice after Charles Oliveira pulled out with injury. Sounds wild? That’s Volkanovski for you.
If you've not been keeping tabs, Volk is Australia's answer to the world's MMA elites. Over a decade of consistent hard work, the man's built a legacy dominating the UFC and is the current Featherweight Champion.
When the UFC ringmasters chimed in with a last-minute fight proposal, did Volkanovski flinch? Nope. He just laced up his boots tighter. Because champions adapt, and that’s what he's always done.
Now, UFC 294 is set to be a cracker as he takes on Islam Makhachev for the Lightweight Champion title. Sure, some critics might say jumping into a fight on such short notice isn’t the brightest idea, but this match up is a chance to write himself further into the UFC history books.
Makhachev has been running his mouth:
“While I am here he’ll never be champion of my division.”
Call it home pride, but we've got our money on Volkanovski. 12 days might sound short, but with over 10 years of experience behind him, he’s ready.
When and Where to watch it:
With UFC 294 being held in Abu Dhabi, it’s going to be an early one for Aussie fans tuning in on Sunday morning.
The main card will commence at 5am (AEDT). Volkanovski and Makhachev are expected to enter the Octagon around 7am.
