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#2. Alexander Volkanovski is a well-rounded striker
Conor McGregor shot to fame in the MMA world because of his crafty and accurate striking. The southpaw outclassed elite fighters solely with his stand-up game. However, Alexander Volkanovski is just as good at striking as the Irishman, if not better.
Alexander Volkanovski doesn't do anything flashy. He prefers being efficient and playing to his strengths. Volkanovski is shorter than many fighters, but he doesn't let that be a disadvantage. His go-to is an overhand right, which he sets up perfectly with jabs while efficiently closing distance.
Volkanovski is also known for his relentless pressure. He landed 214 significant strikes against Brian Ortega at UFC 266, the second-most in a UFC title fight (men's divisions). Conor McGregor has not come close to that kind of output in his entire career.
To be fair to McGregor, the Irishman has finished most of his opponents. However, he ranks behind Volkanovski when it comes to average significant strikes landed per minute, striking accuracy and striking defense. This suggests that while McGregor may pack more power, Volkanovski is definitely the better overall striker.
#1. Alexander Volkanovski is used to fighting bigger guys than Conor McGregor
Alexander Volkanovski started his MMA career as a welterweight. After winning welterweight and lightweight titles with several different MMA promotions, Volkanovski moved down to featherweight. In fact, the Australian's UFC debut was in the lightweight division, while Conor McGregor's was at featherweight.
Therefore, it's safe to say that 'The Great' is used to fighting bigger men. Speaking at the UFC 266 post-fight press conference, Alexander Volkanovski pointed to his history of fighting bigger guys and said:
"I'm used to the big boys. I train with bigger guys all the time. I used to be 214 pounds, you know. I played a front row for a rugby league. It's the biggest position... I fought at middleweight, welterweight, you know, my only loss was at welterweight... So I'm used to the big guys."
It could be challenging for Conor McGregor to move down to featherweight. The Irishman has been unhappy with the amount of weight he's had to cut in the past. However, Volkanovski looks like the better choice, even at lightweight.
