Alexander Volkanovski, a standout name in the featherweight division, recently shared his list of the top UFC fighters of all time. Known for his impressive achievements, Volkanovski provided fans with insights into his all-time favorites during a session on his YouTube channel. While some choices seemed obvious, one name raised plenty of questions among MMA fans.
Volkanovski Picks His Five Greatest UFC Fighters of All Time
The debate over who is the greatest MMA fighter of all time never seems to fade. In recent years, Alexander Volkanovski’s incredible featherweight title reign earned him a place in this heated discussion. But with three losses in his last four fights, two of which happened in the lightweight division against champion Islam Makhachev, some fans are starting to reconsider his position in the GOAT conversation.
Volkanovski, however, does not seem too concerned. Known as “The Great,” he remains modest about his legacy, even after building one of the most dominant featherweight runs in UFC history. While others might fight for recognition in such debates, Volkanovski says he does not think he belongs in the Top 5 of all time.
“Top 5 fighters of all time. Damn,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “Alright, let’s get into it. I’m going to say Demetrious Johnson. I’m going to have to throw Jon Jones in there. Everyone knows my take on the trouble outside of it, but he’s just been champ — he’s been at the top forever. So you can’t not. I know a lot of people are always going to throw out them things — and I do myself because I pride myself on trying to stay away from all that crap as well — but you can’t deny his skill. He’s definitely one of the greatest of all time, so you have to give Jon Jones that.”
Volkanovski built an incredible legacy in the UFC. He became the featherweight champion in 2019 after a memorable win and went on to defend the title multiple times. His reign was marked by victories over some of the best fighters in the division. Although his recent losses in both the featherweight and lightweight categories have slowed his momentum, Volkanovski remains a key figure in the sport and has hinted at a return to action soon.
Among the fighters he named, Jon Jones and Demetrious Johnson were included, both widely regarded as some of the greatest in UFC history. Their dominance in their respective weight classes and their lengthy title runs make them solid choices for any top list. Volkanovski also highlighted Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva, two legends who have already been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Their influence on the sport is undeniable, as both men held long reigns as champions and showcased incredible skills during their careers.
“So Demetrious Johnson, Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre. Georges St-Pierre has definitely got to be there. … I’m going to have to throw Anderson Silva in there, and I’ll throw my boy Israel Adesanya as well. A lot of championships [and] when it comes to striking, I honestly think he’s the greatest striker the UFC has ever seen. So I’m going to go with Israel Adesanya as well.”
The most unexpected pick, however, was Israel Adesanya. Although Adesanya has achieved significant success, including multiple title defenses, he is still an active fighter. This choice sparked discussions among fans, as some feel that inclusion in such a list should be reserved for fighters whose careers are complete.
Interestingly, Volkanovski did not include Jose Aldo, a former featherweight champion and Hall of Famer. Aldo played a significant role in shaping the division, but Volkanovski holds a win over him from earlier in his career. It is possible that their competitive history influenced his decision.
Volkanovski’s list has led to lively debates among MMA fans. Some believe the picks highlight accomplishments, while others focus on impact and skill. Regardless of the criteria, his choices provide plenty of material for discussion and remind everyone why he remains a prominent voice in the sport.
