Who is the GOAT? Volkanovski compares achievements to Jose Aldo when giving his opinion on the greatest featherweight in history

A. Volkanovski (left) beats J. Aldo (right) in the UFC 237. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc

Last Saturday (12), Alexander Volkanovsky made history by defeating Diego lopes in the main fight of UFC 314, regain the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) and become the first fighter in the history of the categories below lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) to win a title fight after the age of 35. The Australian's new feat reignited the discussion about the greatest name in the history of the category.

In a press conference held after the UFC 314, Volkanovski responded on the subject and showed great respect for the story of José Aldo within the featherweight category.

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“That’s not up to me. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, I have this new reign. I hope to make it hard for people not to choose me (as the greatest in history). It’s not up to me to say.” José Aldo He is an absolute legend and has done great things. I have also done great things. I have faced legends. The resume I have is impressive, as is Aldo's. He has had many defenses and I hope to have as many as he has,” replied the champion.

The Australian compared some of his achievements to those of José Aldo, stated that he intends to reach the number of belt defenses of the Brazilian, but, in the end, declared the 'King of Rio' as his choice as the greatest of all time in the category.

“Three victories over Max Holloway and everything else is amazing. Do I need so many defenses? I don't know. But I'll get the defenses and we'll see. But again, I don't like to talk about it, because I have a lot of respect for Aldo and I say he's the GOAT (greatest of all time), to show the respect I have. I leave it to other people to choose who they think”, he concluded.

The victory over Diego lopes was the seventh of Alexander Volkanovsky in fights for the featherweight belt and brought the Australian closer to the record of José Aldo, who has won eight title fights in the category. In terms of belt defenses, however, the current champion needs two more to equal the Brazilian.