In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), few fighters command the respect and admiration that Alexander Volkanovski does. The reigning UFC featherweight champion, known as "The Great," has been lauded by his peers for his exceptional skills and indomitable spirit. Among his admirers is top lightweight contender Michael Chandler, who recently shared his thoughts on Volkanovski's prowess in a YouTube video.
Chandler, a seasoned fighter himself, believes that Volkanovski is the "most unbeatable guy in the entire world." He attributes this to three key factors: completeness, cardio, and composure. According to Chandler, Volkanovski's ability to stay ahead of his opponents in every position during a fight, coupled with his impressive cardio and composure, makes him a formidable opponent.
Volkanovski's recent victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, where he defended his title for the fifth time, only solidified his reputation. Chandler praised Volkanovski's performance, noting his well-roundedness and his ability to stay within his comfort zone even while dominating the fight.
However, Volkanovski's unbeaten run at 145 pounds came to an end when he moved up to lightweight to challenge the newly-minted champion, Islam Makhachev. The fight, which took place in Volkanovski's home country, Australia, was a closely contested one, with Makhachev ultimately securing his first title defense via a unanimous decision. Despite the loss, many believe that Volkanovski performed well enough to remain the best in the world.
Chandler, for one, believes that Volkanovski's overall game remained largely unchanged despite the weight change. He praised Volkanovski's ability to stick to what makes him a great fighter, noting his basic but powerful strikes and his ability to take down any featherweight. Chandler even suggested that Volkanovski might be able to take down any lightweight in the world, given his performance against Makhachev.
The feud between Chandler and Conor McGregor, another prominent figure in the MMA world, has been a topic of discussion in the MMA community. Chandler recently took a jab at McGregor on Twitter, mocking the size of his hands and suggesting that this was why he barely felt a push from McGregor during a confrontation on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31.
Despite the ongoing feud, Chandler's respect for Volkanovski is evident. He believes that Volkanovski is the most complete fighter in the UFC and possibly the entire world. Whether or not others in the MMA community share this view, there's no denying that Volkanovski has made a significant impact in the sport and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
