Alexander Volkanovski feels well positioned to silence critics, become featherweight GOAT

Alexander Volkanovski has come to terms with the criticism he’s faced from skeptics. But he feels the doubters will soon be silenced.

The UFC featherweight champion is unbothered by some of the comments fans have made regarding his two decision wins over former champion Max Holloway. Volkanovski (22-1 MMA, 9-0 UFC) bested Holloway twice, once to dethrone the Hawaiian and become champion and the second in an immediate rematch for his first title defense.

But although he’s 2-0 against Holloway, many fans thought “Blessed” did enough to win the rematch, which Volkanovski won via split decision, and a smaller percentage believes he won the first bout, which Volkanovski won via unanimous decision.

Volkanovski understands some of the criticism up to a certain point, but remains confident he was the rightful winner. Regardless, Volkanovski’s track record is impressive and the Australian believes it’s just a matter of time until the critics give him respect.

“Right now it’s a weird position, I’ll be honest,” Volkanovski told MMA Junkie. “With my last fight being a close fight and how the people have taken it the way they have and all that stuff, I’ve accepted that. We’re all going to move on, I guarantee you.

“With my next fight, that’s all going to change and all that time will heal that.  But again, you look at that resume, taking out guys like Chad Mendes, (Jose) Aldo, Max Holloway – people act like there’s bad blood but I respect all these fighters, even Max Holloway.”

Holloway has been dominant at featherweight and Volkanovski is the only fighter in the division to beat Holloway in the last seven years. On Jan. 20, Holloway bounced back from the pair of defeats by piecing up Calvin Kattar in a one-sided decision.

Volkanovski feels Holloway’s recent win speaks volumes on his skill level and feels he’s not far from not only changing the minds of the critics, but also proving to the world he’s the greatest fighter to ever compete in the UFC’s featherweight division.

“People are talking about his (Holloway’s) last fight and that just proves he’s still in his prime,” Volkanovski said. “Whether people like it or not, I’m 2-0 against him and in his prime. So that just shows you what level I am.”

“The guys that I’ve been able to beat – even Aldo, he was on a tear. He had his loses, but he was coming back and was taking out all the No. 1 contenders. People thought, ‘Here he is, three-round Aldo. No one can beat him,’ and I went there and shut him down. … Give me a fight or two and people are going to really realize. I understand the defenses that Aldo has and you need defenses, you need to take out guys and take out the No. 1 contenders to solidify yourself as the GOAT. I understand that. But I’m in a pretty good position.

“Taken out the guys that I have, how well-respected them guys were, and taking them out, that definitely shows I’m right there. With a couple of defenses, Im chasing GOAT status. So again, nothing but respect to everyone, but I taking that GOAT status and it’s not going be too long until people realize that.”

Volkanovski is set to return for his second title defense at UFC 260 on March 27. He takes on former title challenger Brian Ortega in evening’s co-main event.