Alexander Volkanovski came into UFC 232 looking to make his statement in his biggest career spotlight. Chad Mendes was looking to maintain his place near the top of the featherweight pecking order.
The main-card opener at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., lived it up to expectations, as the duo went tooth-in-nail, particularly in a back-and-forth banger of a second round.
But while both fighters came close to finishing the bout, it was Volkanovski who got the job done, earning a TKO of the former title challenger at 4:14.
“I just want to shoot up these ranks,” Volkanovski said.