Daniel Cormier believes there is no longer any room for debating that Alexander Volkanovski is the featherweight GOAT. Cormier discussed Volkanovski’s mentality, competitiveness, and his latest performance, which solidified his legacy at 145 pounds.
Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision to successfully retain his featherweight title at UFC 325 last Saturday. This marks his first successful title defense in his second reign as featherweight champion. It also marked his second consecutive win over Lopes, who he defeated to win the vacant featherweight championship.
After the fight, Volkanovski said he plans to continue fighting and is eyeing the top contenders at 145 pounds.
Cormier shared his immediate reaction to UFC 325, calling Volkanovski a one-of-a-kind fighter. He acknowledged former champions like Jose Aldo and Max Holloway as part of the featherweight GOAT conversation. But, ‘DC’ said that ‘The Great’ has now separated himself from the pack.
“I know we love Jose Aldo, I know we love Max Holloway, but [Volkanovski] just won his eighth UFC featherweight title fight,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “Four of those victories are against Holloway and Aldo, the two other guys considered the greatest featherweights of all time. It was Volkanovski’s night [at UFC 325].”
He added:
“[Volkanovski’s] the best in the world, and he’s as good as they come. The guy is tremendous, and I really don’t see him slowing down anytime soon.”
Not only did Volkanovski defend his title, but he also won a post-fight bonus for Fight of the Night.
Daniel Cormier Praises Alexander Volkanovski for Seeking Toughest Fights
Daniel Cormier also praised Alexander Volkanovski for always wanting to face the toughest opponents.
Cormier pointed to Volkanovski’s track record and his post-fight interview at UFC 325. During that interview, ‘The Great’ said he was interested in facing undefeated featherweights Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy.
What made Volkanovski’s comments stand out is that not many fighters in the division are eager to fight Evloev or Murphy.
“Nobody wants to fight Movsar, nobody wants to fight Lerone. [Volkanovski] is like, ‘Well, if they’re next, that’s who I’m fighting,'” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “He’s not trying to pick fights, he’s not trying to get the easiest path. He just wants to fight those guys. I’m telling you, he’s the greatest featherweight of all time.”
Evloev and Murphy will face off in the main event of UFC London on Mar. 21. If things go well, Volkanovski could defend his featherweight title against the winner.
Volkanovski Was Injured Ahead of UFC 325
Volkanovski was injured before his featherweight title defense against Lopes at UFC 325, according to his coach. Despite the injury, he managed to continue training and compete at a high level.
Volkanovski’s coach revealed that the training camp was tough because ‘The Great’ hurt his shoulder. They even considered whether the featherweight champion should remain on the card or withdraw from his fight.
“Alex, four weeks ago, we didn’t think he was going to fight,” Volkanovski’s coach said during an interview with Cormier. “He pulled his shoulder out. Really. He’s been compromised for the last four weeks with a busted shoulder.”
Daniel Cormier Calls Alexander Volkanovski the Featherweight GOAT After UFC 325