In a year where fighters from Australia and New Zealand have made major waves, Alexander Volkanovski has still managed to stay somewhat under the radar.
Overshadowed by Israel Adesanya’s four-fight ascent in the middleweight division and overall swagger, the violence and toughness exhibited by Dan Hooker, and the emergence of Tai Tuivasa in the heavyweight ranks, the former rugby man has quietly emerged as a dark horse contender in the 145-pound weight division.
He started the year by bouncing Jeremy Kennedy from the ranks of the unbeaten and then followed it up by putting a hurting on Darren Elkins in July, but with the division churning out incredible fights and memorable performances at a break-neck pace, his efforts have quickly taken a back seat to the next breathtaking display turned in by the latest ultra-talented UFC featherweight to climb into the spotlight.