What does Jose Aldo vs Alexander Volkanovski mean for featherweight division?
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The greatest featherweight of all time, Jose Aldo, is looking to get another crack at the title at UFC 237 this weekend. He faces off against rising star Alexander Volkanovski on the night’s undercard. The winner will likely go on to face Max Holloway for the title, should he choose to return to the featherweight division.
A Resurgent Aldo
Jose Aldo has looked back to his brilliant best as of late. Successive wins over top featherweights Jeremy Stephens and Renato Moicano have saw the former champion put himself back into title contention. Both wins earned Aldo performance of the night bonuses as he stopped two of the divisions best, reminiscent of Aldo’s prime.
Now ranked #1 in the division, Aldo is perhaps having to do more than most to earn another shot, which sounds ridiculous due to his vast accomplishments in the sport. Back-to-back losses to Max Holloway mean despite an impressive resurgence, a trilogy fight isn’t the most sell-able event.
A win on Saturday night at UFC 237 makes Aldo’s claim for a title shot undeniable. By defeating three top guys in a row, he’ll be looking forward to getting a third crack at Holloway and becoming at two time 145lb champion.
A New Contender Emerges
Australia may well have another UFC champion to boast by the end of 2019. Rising star Alexander Volkanovski has looked absolutely flawless during his UFC run. Six fights and six wins for Volkanovski have him positioned #4 in the rankings, just one fight away from a shot at the champion.
A career best win last time out over long time contender Chad Mendes provides perfect preparation for the Australian featherweight who’s looking to go one better and earn a title shot at UFC 237.
The 30 year old from New South Wales, Australia has a 19-1 record and his winning run stretches all the way back to 2013. That streak in under serious threat as he enters the biggest fight of his life against the best opponent he’s ever fought.
A New Challenger or A New Champion?
This fight undoubtedly has a big impact on the featherweight division. How big? Well, that depends on what current champion Max Holloway decides to do moving forward. An unsuccessful debut at lightweight has the current champion pondering his next steps. Should he decide to remain at 145lb and defend his belt, this fight will provide his next challenger.
A permanent move to lightweight is also a consideration for Holloway, who will need to commit to 155 in order to be a success. This would relinquish the belt, meaning this fight has so much more meaning. We could not only be deciding who will face Max Holloway but actually who will replace him as champion.
The stakes are high and the talent is massive at UFC 237. Jose Aldo vs Alexander Volkanovski represents a story as old as combat sports. Who will emerge victorious? Luckily we don’t have to wait long to find out.
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