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In the world of mixed martial arts, the debate over who holds the title of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) is a never-ending conversation. Fighters rise and fall, records are broken, and legacies are built. However, in the lead-up to UFC 293, Israel Adesanya, the reigning middleweight champion, had some surprising words about his fellow fighter, Alexander Volkanovski, that have ignited a fresh discussion about the MMA GOAT.
Volkanovski, the current UFC featherweight champion, has been on a remarkable run in the sport. Undefeated in the featherweight division and boasting only two career losses, his credentials as a top-tier fighter are undeniable. One of those losses occurred early in his career in a different weight class, while the other was a closely contested battle against Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title. Some fans and experts believed that Volkanovski did enough to secure the win in that fight.
During a media day interview ahead of UFC 293, where Adesanya was set to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland, he was asked about his place in the pantheon of MMA greats. His response was both surprising and a testament to his respect for Volkanovski's skills.
Adesanya stated, "I was chasing the greatest of all time, and I still think I'm one of the greatest of all time, but I put Alex Volkanovski as the greatest of all time in my eyes."
Adesanya went on to praise his friend and fellow fighter, expressing admiration for Volkanovski's fighting style and labeling him as one of his favorite fighters in the history of the sport. This unexpected endorsement from a fighter of Adesanya's caliber certainly turned heads and sparked discussions among MMA enthusiasts worldwide.
"I know I'm the best, I know I'm the best, and I'm not done yet. I'm still going," Adesanya confidently stated. "So, I know when it's all said and done, I'll be the best."
Adesanya's resume speaks for itself. With a professional record of 24-2 and an impressive 13-2 inside the UFC Octagon, he has defended his middleweight title five times. His list of notable victories includes names like Robert Whittaker (twice), Anderson Silva, Alex Pereira, Yoel Romero, and Jared Cannonier, among others. These accomplishments put Adesanya firmly in the conversation as one of the greatest fighters of his era.
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