‘No denying it’: Volk ruins last remaining doubters as greats declare Aussie ’best in the world’

Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski is the best MMA fighter on the planet. It’s as simple as that.

The featherweight superstar defended his UFC title for a fifth time at UFC 290 in Las Vegas, stopping Yair Rodriguez in the third round after dominating from the opening bell.

It was yet more proof the man from Wollongong is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter going today – with UFC experts proclaiming him better than the official UFC No.1, Jon Jones.

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“What else can you say about the pound-for-pound king?!” commentator Jon Anik declared as Volkanovski claimed victory.

UFC great Daniel Cormier added: “He is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, hands down.”

“He’s an animal. He’s just so good.”

Joe Rogan added: “He’s the best. There’s no denying it.

“What he proved tonight is he can take the most unpredictable, wildest challenger in the featherweight division right now.”

It wasn’t as if Volkanovski was at 100 per cent, explaining post-fight he would need surgery on his arm after an issue that he fought throughout his training camp.

He also had to battle the fear that Rodriguez, arguably his toughest opponent yet, could end his incredible streak at this weight class.

“Through camp, there was a bit of fear there. Fear in his striking,” Volkanovski explained.

“But this week there was a mindset switch.”

Volkanovski will now be hoping to avenge just his second career MMA loss, suffered in February against Islam Makhachev, when he went up to lightweight.