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For the first time since 2019, Alexander Volkanovski no longer holds gold in the UFC – but according to a fellow Aussie star, the now-former champ is built to bounce back.
In one of the most shocking defeats in recent memory, Volkanovski was knocked out in brutal fashion by Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 298, ending a lengthy stranglehold on the featherweight strap.
The 35-year-old has now lost two fights in a row, with his move up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev ending in agony last October – but it was the end of his title reign in the 145lb division that has led to concerns over his future in the sport.
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However, in an exclusive interview with Wide World Of Sports, light-heavyweight star Tyson Pedro claimed that both Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya – who lost his middleweight title in Sydney last year – will bounce back from their defeats.
“It’s such a hard spot – we’re very close with Volkanovski and he is one of the best to ever do it,” the Sydney-born light heavyweight said.
“Win or lose, they are still gonna get up and it’s the same with Israel [Adesanya].
“The true character of the man is seeing what happens after you get knocked down, and they will both be able to get back up.”
Pedro has faced adversity during his own UFC career, spending an extended period out of the octagon due to injury, while also suffering tough defeats in four bouts.
Volkanovski has already began clamouring for a rematch with Topuria, which could happen in late-2024, while Adesanya has remained somewhat quiet since his surprise loss to Sean Strickland in September.
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Aussies and Kiwis however, with Robert Whittaker putting his name back into championship contention with a hard-fought win over Paulo Costa on the same card as Volkanovski’s loss.
”I was very happy for him,” Pedro said.
“That was a solid fight and solid win on his resume. I’m just excited for all the boys, I will always support the Australian boys and I think it’s gonna be a big year.”
Pedro will return to the cage on Sunday morning (AEDT) against the undefeated Vitor Petrino in Las Vegas, just a few hours before the NRL’s historic double-header.
