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Alexander Volkanovski is still reeling from his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. This past weekend, 'The Great' was given an unprecedented second crack at a title in the division above him, becoming the only UFC champion to twice challenge for two-division champion status.
Unfortunately, his rematch with Islam Makahchev couldn't have gone any worse, as Volkanovski was dealt a crushing first-round knockout loss. However, despite his second straight failure against Makhachev, the reigning featherweight kingpin was still given a hero's welcome at the airport upon his return home.
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Not only was he treated to a Haka, a traditional Māori dance meant to welcome honored guests, acknowledge great achievements and occasions or funerals, but he was also welcomed by his family. Despite his loss, Alexander Volkanovski implored the UFC to keep him active.
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He even expressed a desire to still defend his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria come January at UFC 297. Whether this comes to pass remains to be seen, as doctors could very well advise Alexander Volkanovski to take some time to recover.
Meanwhile, rumors about a potential interim featherweight title bout between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria were abound not long ago. How the UFC proceeds with its January plans will determine who Volkanovski will face next and when. Many in the MMA community, however, have urged him to prioritize recovery.
He just suffered a crushing knockout, only the second in his career. His close friend and training partner, Israel Adesanya, recently announced a sabbatical from MMA after suffering his own stunning loss.
Alexander Volkanovski's only pre-UFC loss
Despite his short stature, Alexander Volkanovski was once a welterweight. It seems unthinkable that a featherweight once fought at a weight as heavy as 170 pounds, but perhaps this is why Volkanovski's only career loss prior to his two defeats at the hands of Islam Makhachev happened at welterweight.
In his fourth-ever MMA fight, the Australian great took on Corey Nelson. At the time, Volkanovski was unbeaten but ended up suffering a devastating third-round knockout, after which he made the move to lighter weight classes to greater success.
