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Alexander Volkanovski will try to etch his name into the UFC history books this Saturday. He'll square off against the promotion's newly crowned lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. It will be the stiffest challenge that 'The Great' will try to overcome.
If he successfully defeats the streaking Dagestani phenom, he'll enter a class joined only by the elite. He'll become a simultaneous two-division champion. Other fighters like Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier have achieved what he'll be aiming for. But not all double champions are equal.
While Alexander Volkanovski will not be the first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history, he'll be the most impressive if he succeeds. This list details five reasons why that's the case.
#5. Alexander Volkanovski will be facing the No.2 P4P fighter in the world
Islam Makhachev is regarded as Khabib Nurmagomedov's heir apparent. A glimpse of the reigning 155 lbs kingpin's performances inside the octagon will remind anyone why he is hailed as 'The Eagle's successor. He recently dethroned Charles Oliveira to extend his win streak to 11 consecutive UFC victories.
Furthermore, the AKA standout is currently ranked as the second-best P4P fighter in the world. No other former or current double champion has faced anyone this high up the P4P rankings in their bid to capture a second divisional title. This, however, is the daunting challenge that Alexander Volkanovski is undertaking.
It is notable when considering the merit that 'The Great's' potential victory could have if he dethrones Makhachev come fight night.
#4. Every other double champion's opponents didn't measure up
Amanda Nunes defeated Cris Cyborg to become a double champion. While her win was impressive, her opponent's UFC career was not nearly as remarkable as expected. Other than 'The Lioness' and Holly Holm, the reigning Bellator women's featherweight champion didn't face any notable UFC fighters.
Her performance against 'The Preacher's Daughter' was controversial, with some believing that Cyborg was gifted a decision win. Questionable circumstances follow other double champions as well. Henry Cejudo captured the vacant bantamweight crown against Marlon Moraes, a non-champion.
Conor McGregor defeated Eddie Alvarez, who didn't have the best UFC career either, with four wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Only Daniel Cormier contends due to defeating Stipe Miocic. But given that 'DC' lost his subsequent two rematches against him, some have decried his initial win as a flash knockout.
If Alexander Volkanovski thoroughly outclasses or somehow outworks Islam Makhachev over the course of five rounds to capture a clear win, it'll be even more impressive, given the caliber of competition he'll face.
#3. Alexander Volkanovski would have solved the puzzle of Dagestani wrestling
Fighters from the Caucasus have been the most recent dominant force in the UFC. The wave began with Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired with an undefeated record of 29 wins. Since then, others have followed in his footsteps.
The likes of Muhammad Mokaev, Magomed Ankalaev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Khamzat Chimaev, and Islam Makhachev all followed suit. The five of them have a total of two losses across their entire careers. Furthermore, four of these fighters are from Dagestan.
Hardly anyone has been able to contend with the level and style of grappling that they implement inside the octagon. Countless great fighters have failed in their attempts. Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje were all helpless.
If Alexander Volkanovski defeats Islam Makhachev in decisive fashion, he'll introduce the world to the blueprint every other fighter needs to follow to defeat their Dagestani conquerors.
#2. Alexander Volkanovski will be at an enormous size disadvantage
Alexander Volkanovski is a diminutive force. Many of the statements that Islam Makhachev has given about his upcoming opponent are taunts regarding the Australian's short stature. There is a good reason for that. Alexander Volkanovski stands no taller than five feet and six inches.
Despite competing at featherweight, he's short enough to be right at home at bantamweight. Meanwhile, his opponent is two inches away from being six feet tall. He is an exceptionally large 155'er. Among the double champions, only Henry Cejudo was at a similar size disadvantage when he captured a second title.
The only difference is 'The King of Cringe' faced Marlon Moraes. While Daniel Cormier gave up five inches against Stipe Miocic, 'DC' was not in unfamiliar territory. He spent most of his career as a heavyweight against the best 265'ers of the world. The same can't be said for Alexander Volkanovski.
While 'The Great' has fought at lightweight, his time in the division has been sporadic and on the regional scene as well. He'll be at a significant size disadvantage against the best 155'er in the world while having no experience against the best lightweights in the world.
#1. He'll be facing a champion who looks invincible
None of the opponents the former or current UFC double champions faced to immortalize themselves were regarded as unstoppable besides Cris Cyborg. But even the Brazilian bruiser looked far less than her usual dominant self against Holly Holm. She looked mortal, with many convinced that she had lost the bout.
The same cannot be said for Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani has looked nothing short of invincible other than the flash knockout loss he suffered in the first minute of his bout against Adriano Martins. But there's been no bout that has left anyone with the impression that there's a tried and true method to beating him.
There's no verifiable strategy or game plan that's proven effective against the reigning lightweight kingpin. Hitting him really hard worked once, just as it can against any fighter in any given moment. If Alexander Volkanovski dethrones him, he will be the first fighter among double champions to do so.
