Why Alexander Volkanovski's UFC 298 Loss Comes At the Worst Possible Time

Highlights

• Volkanovski faces career challenges post-UFC 298 loss, heralding possible changing of the guard in featherweight division.
• Financial rewards may drive Volkanovski to quick rematch, highlighting the fine line between legacy and wealth in MMA.
• Volkanovski aims to derail Topuria hype train to solidify his place in MMA history, showcasing a legacy-driven fighter's mindset.

As the curtain fell on UFC 298, an air of shock hit, not just the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, but also, folks watching all over the world. Many expected a tough main event between the Australian featherweight champion, Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski, and the Georgian-Spanish challenger, Ilia Topuria.

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However, few could have predicted Volkanovski being rapidly dispatched by "El Matador" in the second round, thanks to vicious punches. It marked the first time Volkanovski suffered consecutive losses since professionally debuting in MMA in 2012, made even worse by it being another KO loss after being head-kicked by Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. Topuria believes this signals the changing of the featherweight guard. And while Volkanovski has the grit, resolve and tenacity to rebound, the timing of the loss doesn't augur well for a Volkanovski who may be tempted not to exhibit patience in the twilight of his career.

Alexander Volkanovski Hit The 35 And Over Curse

Volkanovski Follows A Unique Trend In UFC History

• Tyron Woodley is the only 35+ fighter to break the 'curse.'
• Woodley defended the welterweight crown against Demian Maia (2017) and Darren Till (2018).
• Notable UFC veterans who fell prey to the curse include Henry Cejudo, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Jorge Masvidal.

Prior to UFC 298, the mixed martial arts discourse revolved around a certain statistic involving fighters 35 and over. In divisions under middleweight (i.e. less than 185 pounds), these fighters went 2-23 in championship fights.

It had many suggesting that Volkanovski (who turned 35 in Sept. 2023) was part of that, as he lost the second match to Makhachev in Oct. 2023. Well, the Topuria KO pushed the metric to 2-24, with Kenny Florian, 'The Korean Zombie,' Frankie Edgar and Josh Emmett all being over 35 and failing to take undisputed or interim gold over the years in this particular UFC division.

Apart from Emmett, all those fighters retired, leaving Volkanovski fans questioning his future. They definitely don't want to see him going down the path like veterans such as Tony Ferguson or the retired Mauricio Rua; fighters who just didn't know when to stop. In Ferguson's case, he is still soldiering on, which even UFC president and CEO, Dana White, has said is a mistake.

Unfortunately, Volkanovski isn't the exception to the rule, which makes his 'Old Man Volk' gimmick, as humorous as it was, something poignant to consider moving forward in a division that has hungry fighters coming up, such as Movsar Evloev, Diego Lopes and Arnold Allen.

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Alexander Volkanovski May Be Influenced By Understandable Financial Rewards

Volkanovski Is Primed For UFC Opportunities Many Never Get

• Volkanovski made his UFC debut in 2016.
• Volkanovski's overall MMA record stands at 26-4 with 15 total finishes.

Volkanovski pocketed US$750,000 for the UFC 298 bout. That doesn't include PPV points -- revenue cuts which can amount to millions -- or discretionary bonuses that White doles out on a whim and fancy. However, while Volkanovski diehards are hoping he rests on his laurels and recuperates, that may not happen for financial reasons.

It's safe to assume Volkanovski made a lot of money after five featherweight title defenses from 2020 to 2023. But his short notice rematch against Makhachev had an extra caveat to it. One of Volkanovski's coaches, Eugene Bareman, admitted to She Loves The Glove that Volkanovski negotiated a new, lucrative contract. As such, Volkanovski will want to get the Topuria rematch back ASAP -- something he mentioned as well in the post-fight presser.

Given his age, Volkanovski will want to max out these opportunities. Considering he is a self-professed "company man," he may get opportunities no one else does. And honestly, having bailed UFC out of the 294 dilemma when Charles Oliveira got injured and that he always says yes to fights in his own division, one can't blame the UFC for giving an active Volkanovski an automatic rematch.

He has earned it. And let's be real, securing the financial future of one's family is the endgame in combat sports for prizefighters. Basically, the new march to the title, winning it, and then defending it with PPV money to make are reasons why 'Old Man Volk' cannot afford to take much time off. From a dollars and cents stance, that is.

With few fighters getting these financial doors opened, Volkanovski is in a very fortunate position to capitalize and spend his final years milking that MMA money tree. Will it be good for his health? As with any fighter, it is highly unlikely, but it will be great for his bank account.

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Alexander Volkanovski Will Be Tempted To Derail The Ilia Topuria Train

Volkanovski May Sacrifice Too Much To Reclaim His Throne

• Volkanovski has defended his belt against Max Holloway (twice), Brian Ortega, The Korean Zombie, and Yair Rodríguez.
• Volkanovski also beat José Aldo and Chad Mendes prior.
• Volkanovski's UFC record is now 13-3.

Admittedly, Volkanovski isn't just about money. He is about legacy as well. He won the first round 10-9 against Topuria on all the judges' cards. But Topuria's victory can actually work in Volkanovski's favor. Topuria has been propelled into the stratosphere in terms of brand value and popularity. Plus, he is a huge celebrity in Europe, as seen with his fan-support video that included tennis star, Rafa Nadal, as well as legendary footballers from teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. Topuria is on a meteoric rise, reminiscent of the days when Conor McGregor took over.

'Mystic Mac' set Ireland afire, and became the face of European MMA for some time. Topuria is building that hype, which has White wanting a card in Spain in 2024. It is creating momentum like a raging bull for 'El Matador.' This sets Volkanovski up for a revenge tour, possibly shutting down the buzz like he did when he beat Max Holloway thrice, and when he almost beat Makhachev in their first brawl. Volkanovski is most dangerous when he is the underdog.

With Topuria as the new McGregor -- suits, swagger and attitude -- this is the perfect machine for Volkanovski to slay and remind critics to never dismiss him. Volkanovski has already said he is hoping the UFC has the Spanish card later this year, allowing him downtime with his family, to train, and return to his best form. That timeline would work well for all fans, giving Volkanovski a potential trilogy that will keep him at featherweight and kill off his lightweight ambitions.

It is in stark contrast to his friend, Israel Adesanya, who has taken over five months off after UFC 293 where he lost his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland -- a period of downtime Volkanovski has never enjoyed in any of his last four fights. Adesanya is enjoying his hiatus after a massive workload -- something Volkanovski may be best advised to do.

Ironically, Volkanovski is into theater now more than ever, as seen with his recent betting ad about 'Old Man Volk.' This direction creates a movie-esque swan song for Volkanovski to show he just had a speed bump in his career. And that rather than write him off, the MMA world ought to be looking out for an ex-champ still evolving and looking to cash as many UFC checks as possible. Be that as it may, it begs: what will it cost an obsessed Volkanovski, and is the sacrifice worth it? It is a blessed option to have, but maybe, it would have been better earlier in Volkanovski's MMA shelf-life, allowing him more time to temper his career and health.