Who has beaten Alexander Volkanovski in MMA?

Alexander Volkanovski has lost once in his professional MMA career.

On February 11, Volkanovski looks to maintain his undefeated UFC record by defeating Islam Makhachev in the UFC 284 main event. If ‘The Great’ can pull off the upset against Makahchev, the 34-year-old would solidify himself as one of the greatest fighters of all time by becoming a two-division UFC champion.

Before Volkanovski seeks greatness against Makhachev, it’s intriguing to look back at the long journey he’s endured. The 32-year-old made his pro-MMA debut in 2012. After securing three consecutive wins, the Australian was matched up against Corey Nelson at Australian FC 5 in May 2013.

Nelson had seventeen pro fights compared to Volkanovski’s three. It turns out ‘The Great’ bit off more than he could chew, losing in the third round by a head kick and punches. It should also be noted that the fight was at 170 pounds. The loss must have unleashed an inner beast because the reigning UFC 145-pound champion hasn’t lost in the last ten years.

After losing to Nelson, Volkanovski won ten consecutive fights before signing with the UFC, including nine inside the distance. He made his promotional debut in November 2016, defeating Yusuke Kasuya with a second-round TKO.

‘The Great’ went on to win six more times before taking out Max Holloway to become the featherweight world champion. Since then, Volkanovski has defended the 145-pound strap against Brian Ortega, Chan Sung Jung, and Holloway twice. He’s now moving up to lightweight while another contender emerges in his preferred weight class.

Watch Alexander Volkanovski lose against Corey Nelson below:

---

What’s next for Alexander Volkanovski after UFC 284?

Alexander Volkanovski’s future will be determined by the outcome against Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski has claimed he would defend both titles if he secures the lightweight championship, but that might not be possible with the weight he’s added for UFC 284.

If Volkanovski loses against Makhachev, ‘The Great’ would have a clear future at featherweight. In the UFC 284 co-main event, Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett are going toe-to-toe with the interim 145-pound title on the line. The winner will secure an undisputed championship fight against the Australian.

Before worrying about his future, Volkanovski has a tough test ahead of him against Makhachev. The pound-for-pound king is coming in as a 4-1 betting underdog, but he always seems to prevail when his back is against the wall. Only time will tell if the 34-year-old can silence the doubters once again and become a two-division world champion.