Alexander Volkanovski fell short of history last October in Abu Dhabi following his knockout loss to lightweight champion Islam Makachev. After the loss was the agreement to defend his featherweight title in February, meaning “The Great” would look for his seventh defence at featherweight while also being in the unique position of bouncing back from a head kick knockout in just four months.
The once unstoppable featherweight champion is now behind the 8-ball, entering perhaps a dangerous opponent in Ilia “El Matador” Topuria, someone shown to have cannons in his hands and an impressive set of skills since joining the UFC ranks.