5 UFC fighters who could dethrone Alexander Volkanovski

#4. Henry Cejudo – Has a wrestling advantage over the reigning UFC featherweight champion

Henry Cejudo arguably owns the best resume in combat sports history. At just 21, he became the youngest American Olympic gold medallist in wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Cejudo transitioned to MMA in 2013 and has since emerged as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world after becoming a two-division UFC champion.

Cejudo became the UFC flyweight titleholder following a spectacular fight against the greatest flyweight of all time, Demetrious Johnson. He subsequently defended his belt against then-bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw.

Dillashaw tested positive for PEDs after the bout and was stripped of his bantamweight belt after getting a two-year suspension. Cejudo moved up in weight and competed for the vacant 135-pound title, beating Marlon Moraes to become a two-division titleholder.

Cejudo retired and vacated both his belts following a successful title defense at UFC 249 against arguably the greatest bantamweight of all time, Dominick Cruz. ‘Triple C’ has since made it clear that he would only return for a bigger paycheck or an opportunity to compete for the featherweight title.

Cejudo has been clamoring for a fight against the reigning UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, for quite some time now. Speaking to ESPN MMA, the former double champion had this to say:

“I still think about winning that third belt. I really think its attainable. I really think anybody is crazy to count me out! Yeah, hate the persona, hate the cringe! But dude, facts are facts, man. I’m an accomplished athlete. If you can name someone who has accomplished more than me in combat sports, I'll bend the knee. But there isn’t. He’s right here. I believe that I am entitled to skip the whole damn line and fight Alexander Volkanovski, you know? I deserve it.”

Watch Henry Cejudo discuss a potential bout with Alexander Volkanovski below:

It’s safe to say that Henry Cejudo has a real chance of beating Alexander Volkanovski. The former champ-champ has always found a way to win a fight despite being undersized.

Cejudo's high-level wrestling pedigree, coupled with his crisp striking and meticulous approach to preparation, will give Volkanovski a lot to think about if the duo ever lock horns.

If this matchup comes to fruition, the UFC could potentially crown their first-ever three-division champion – Henry Cejudo.

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#3. Arnold Allen – Has a similar skillset to Alexander Volkanovski

Arnold Allen is an ominous presence in the 145-pound division. The understated Englishman has struggled with injuries and inactivity in recent years. Nevertheless, his potential and skills are undeniable.

Allen is currently riding an astonishing 11-fight win streak in his professional MMA career and has never tasted defeat in the UFC. Unfortunately for the Brit, his inactivity has been detrimental to his popularity among casual fans. Even so, hardcore fans are well aware that 'Almighty' is a legitimate threat to the featherweight belt and is likely just a couple of victories away from a shot at gold.

In his most recent appearance in the octagon, Allen made a resounding statement in the co-main event of UFC London. He put away perennial lightweight contender Dan Hooker in the very first round, putting himself in a strong position in the division.

Allen's all-round game makes him a challenging stylistic matchup for any fighter he goes up against. Training with the likes of Georges St-Pierre, one of the most well-rounded MMA fighters of all time, has undoubtedly rubbed off on him. Still just 28, 'Almighty' has all the tools to make it to the top and stay there.

Interestingly, Allen and the reigning featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski are very similar. Both fighters are seemingly stronger than their peers, largely owing to Volkanovski's rugby background and Allen's powerlifting regime. They have slick striking, solid takedowns and cerebral approaches to fighting. Moreover, the blueprint to beating both featherweights hasn't been properly laid out, considering their near-perfect professional records.

A potential Alexander Volkanovski vs. Arnold Allen matchup down the line will certainly be a sight to behold. Considering how evenly matched they are, this will likely be a war of attrition. It will be a test of durability and willingness to win, which could produce an absolute barnburner.