Once you reach the top of the mountain, remaining the hunter instead of becoming the hunted is difficult. But not for Alexander Volkanovski.
The reigning UFC featherweight champion will defend his title on Saturday, February 17 at UFC 298 against top contender Ilia Topuria. The event takes place from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
With five successful title defenses under his belt, Volkanovski has only been bested by reigning lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev since 2013.
He understands that the move to go up to 155 pounds was one that probably wasn’t in his best interest.
“I’m lucky enough that I still hold a belt,” Volkanovski told UFC.com. “I was getting greedy. I wanted to win another, but that’s a part of it. At least I still get to defend, and I get to get back in there and keep being successful and keep making that money for me and my family.”
Alexander Volkanovski Has Become The Man At Featherweight
Having won the title in 2019 with a decision over Max Holloway, Volkanovski would go on to score successful defenses vs. Holloway, Brian Ortega, Chan Sung Jung and Holloway again before a February loss to Makhachev via decision.
He unified the belts with a July finish of Yair Rodriguez before stepping in on short notice at UFC 294 to challenge Makhachev again in October.
“I think I’m hungrier than these guys trying to chase that belt, and I’ve always been that way,” he said. “I’m more dedicated to the sport, more passionate, more calculated.
“I think all this counts, especially when you’re defending your belt, so this is why I feel like I can defend it for so long: because I’m more passionate than ever.
UFC 298 Also Features Former Champions
Two former champions are also on the docket for UFC 298, as Robert Whittaker meets Paulo Costa and Henry Cejudo takes on Merab Dvalishvili.
The event is expected to feature Geoff Neal and Ian Machado Garry, Tai Tuivasa and Marcin Tybura, and Tatiana Suarez vs. Amanda Lemos.
