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#3. Jose Aldo (28-4-0) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (19-1) (Featherweight)
While the main event seemed great on paper, Hometown hero Jose Aldo's fight was supposed to be the real highlight of the show. The Featherweight legend is an icon in Brazil and put his #1 ranking on the line against the #4 ranked Alexander Volkanovski.
Aldo was on a two-fight win-streak while his Australian opponent had not been defeated in all of his six UFC fights.
Round 1: It was absolutely electric inside the Rio Olympic Arena as the fight got underway. Aldo took the centre of the Octagon and didn't allow Volkanovski to back him up.
A cautious start from both men as they read each other. Volkanovski was active though as he used the feints and let his legs loose.
Volkanovski tried to get Aldo to react by moving around and throwing a few punches. Aldo landed a right and the place erupted. It wasn't even a knockout-worthy shot and the fans popped. Every noticeable movement from the Brazilian was cheered in unison.
Volkanovski clinched with Aldo onto the fence but the two men split up. They danced around in the centre to see out the first round. Volkanovski got the first as he peppered Aldo with inside leg kicks and the occasional punches that connected.
10-9 Volkanovski
Round 2: Inside leg kick, body kick from Volkanovski. Outside leg kick, left jab, right cross. Volkanovski kept himself busy.
Aldo grew into the round as he landed a few good jabs, one of which got the acknowledgement of Aldo. Aldo hadn't used his kicks as he possibly looked for an opening for a finish.
The fight momentarily stopped after an eye poke from Volkanovski, for which he got a warning. Volkanovski pinned Aldo near the fence and kept shooting knees to Aldo's legs. Aldo flipped over briefly to get Volkanovski's back, but the Australian turned over again. The two men got back to the centre of the cage as the round came to a close. While this was still an open round, Volkanovski may have gotten it in the bag.
10-9 Volkanovski
Round 3: Aldo had a lot of work to do as he was lagging behind on the scorecards. Aldo with a combination and Volkanovski fired back a combination of his own. Volkanovski clinched yet again and pushed Aldo into the cage. Body kick, straight left, jabs, feints - Volkanovski was bringing in the heat while Aldo didn't have much in terms of volume in reply.
Volkanovski trapped Aldo near the fence again and went to work with his knees to his body. The Australian kept him there until the end of the round.
10-9 Volkanovski
Result: Alexander Volkanovski def. Jose Aldo via unanimous decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
That was a masterful performance from Volkanovski, who extended his streak to 17 victories on the trot and snapped Aldo's winning momentum.
A featherweight title should be what's next for Alexander 'The Great' Volkanovski.
