Volkanovski: “I’m going to destroy” at UFC Sydney, after 8 years of waiting

Volkanovski Returns Home: An Emotion-Filled Event in Sydney

The UFC Fight Night 121, held in Sydney on November 19, 2017, is not an event that fans remember fondly. However, for the 10,021 fans who attended the Qudos Bank Arena, the event promised much, but was marked by setbacks. The fight card was affected from the start, with Mark Hunt withdrawing due to “medical concerns” and Joanne Calderwood due to an “undisclosed injury.” Added to this was a doping violation by Jesse Taylor and several weight issues from some competitors. Furthermore, there was a peculiar incident with a “boomerang” involving Fabricio Werdum and Colby Covington, which cost the Brazilian a fine. The day extended with 13 fights, almost all going the distance, setting a new record for a UFC event with 3:04:18 of actual fight time, a mark that lasted more than two and a half years. Despite the problems, there were exciting moments for the local fans, such as Tai Tuivasa’s spectacular KO over Rashad Coulter and Alexander Volkanovski’s dominant performance against Shane Young. After 2996 days, Volkanovski will finally fight for a title in front of his home crowd on Sunday [AEDT, Saturday night ET].

“I barely remember those days, it’s like ‘wow, that was at the beginning of my career’, how far I’ve come since then, you know, it’s crazy,” says Volkanovski.

Alexander Volkanovski

Volkanovski has been present at UFC events in Australia, supporting and enjoying the atmosphere. Now, he will have the opportunity to offer that atmosphere to the fans. In his last fight in Australia, in Perth (UFC 284), the energy was incredible and he hopes to repeat it in Sydney.

The fighter feels that he didn’t have the same energy in his previous fight in Sydney, as he wasn’t as recognized as he is now. Volkanovski is grateful for the support and wants to reward the fans who have supported him from the beginning, including those from Wollongong. For him, it’s an honor to be able to offer an unforgettable show. Volkanovski hasn’t fought at home since UFC 284, where he lost by unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev in 2023. Sunday’s fight with Diego Lopes has special significance, as it’s in his home state. The wait to fight in Sydney has been as challenging as facing Makhachev. The COVID-19 pandemic and the need for quarantine also made it difficult for him to participate in events in Sydney. Volkanovski hoped to fight in Sydney early last year after losing the title to Ilia Topuria, but it was not possible. Volkanovski is eager to put on a great show for his local fans, although this doesn’t necessarily add to his legacy.

Volkanovski acknowledges that there is little to gain and much to lose, but sees this fight as an opportunity to prove his worth and remind his rivals of his ability. He seeks to show a different version of himself, more aggressive and direct. Volkanovski hopes Lopes doesn’t change his strategy and continues with his aggressive fighting style. The fighter is prepared to face Lopes and offer a great spectacle to the fans.

Volkanovski also considers what 2026 could bring, including a possible quick return and the expected card at Whitehouse. Despite the possible scenarios, Volkanovski is focused on Sunday’s fight and the possibility that a single punch could change the outcome.

“I’m happy to talk about it [age], a lot of people say, why does he keep mentioning he’s 37? I love it. Again, I want that pressure. I want people to think I’m old. I am old. But I’m still better than these guys and I’ll show them… I think I can really, really smash these guys, so let’s do it”.

Alexander Volkanovski

If defeat comes at UFC 325, Volkanovski’s legacy in the UFC is assured. As a two-time champion and with five featherweight title defenses, Volkanovski has earned the affection of the UFC world inside and outside the octagon. He has nothing more to prove. However, having the belt in Sydney, in front of his loved ones, after eight years of waiting, would be something truly special, both for Volkanovski and for all those who saw him dominate Shane Young in 2017.