History was written in Sydney this past weekend. In the main event of UFC 325, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski did what many thought impossible just two years ago: he not only defended his reclaimed featherweight strap against the dangerous Diego Lopes, but he also etched his name alongside the legendary José Aldo in the record books.
With his unanimous decision victory over Lopes—a tactical masterclass that silenced the Brazilian’s explosive submission game—Volkanovski secured his eighth title fight win in the UFC featherweight division. This milestone ties the longstanding record held by the King of Rio, José Aldo, effectively igniting the fiercest debate in 145-pound history: Who is the true Featherweight GOAT?
As the dust settles on the Octagon in Australia, we dive deep into the numbers, the resumes, and the reign dominance of these two titans to understand the magnitude of this achievement.
The Magic Number: 8 Title Fight Wins
To understand the weight of this record, we have to look back at the era of dominance established by Aldo. For years, his record of 7 successful defenses (plus an interim title win, totaling 8 UFC title fight victories) seemed untouchable. Max Holloway came close, but Volkanovski has now officially equaled the mark.
- José Aldo’s 8 Wins: Mark Hominick, Kenny Florian, Chad Mendes (x2), Frankie Edgar (x2), Chan Sung Jung, Ricardo Lamas.
- Alexander Volkanovski’s 8 Wins: Max Holloway (x3), Brian Ortega, The Korean Zombie, Yair Rodriguez, Diego Lopes (x2).
While the number is the same, the path to the summit was vastly different for both men. Aldo was the youngest champion in WEC history and was promoted to UFC champion, defending his throne against a generation of wrestlers. Volkanovski, conversely, had to dethrone the man who dethroned the King (Holloway) and then hold off a new wave of hybrid strikers and submission specialists.
Resume Comparison: The Level of Opposition
When comparing resumes, we are essentially comparing two different eras of MMA evolution. Aldo’s reign was defined by his anti-wrestling and devastating leg kicks. He faced the crème de la crème of the “Golden Era” of featherweights.
Aldo’s Hit List
Aldo’s wins over Frankie Edgar are perhaps the jewel in his crown. Edgar was a former lightweight champion known for his impossible pace, yet Aldo neutralized him twice. His wars with Chad Mendes proved he could handle elite wrestlers with dynamite in their hands. For a deeper look at the conditioning required for such bouts, check out our guide on MMA energy systems and conditioning.
Volkanovski’s Hit List
Volkanovski’s resume is anchored by the Max Holloway trilogy. Beating one of the greatest featherweights of all time on three separate occasions (with the third being a shutout) is an anomaly in combat sports. Furthermore, his recent victories over Diego Lopes—first to win the vacant title at UFC 314 and now defending it at UFC 325—show his ability to adapt to the modern “finisher” archetype. Lopes is a dangerous grappler, yet Volkanovski’s fight IQ nullified the threat.
Technical Evolution: Leg Kicks vs. Calf Kicks
Tactically, both champions changed the meta of the division. Aldo was the poster boy for the traditional Muay Thai low kick. He would punish the thigh, chopping down opponents like Urijah Faber until they couldn’t stand.
Volkanovski, however, popularized the calf kick strategy in the lower weight classes. His ability to feint, switch stances, and attack the lower leg without committing his hips allowed him to dismantle strikers like Holloway. While Aldo relied on raw explosive power and takedown defense (91% career average!), Volkanovski relies on volume, feints, and an unbreakable gas tank.
Interestingly, both men possess elite takedown defense, but they use it differently:
- Aldo: Pivots and explosive hips to separate instantly.
- Volkanovski: Uses the cage wall and quick get-ups to exhaust opponents (a tactic evident in the Lopes rematch).
The Reign: Consistency vs. Resurgence
Here lies the main differentiator in their GOAT arguments. Aldo’s reign was one unbroken line of dominance: 10 years undefeated (WEC+UFC). He had an aura of invincibility that only shattered with the McGregor knockout.
Volkanovski’s path was more turbulent but perhaps more impressive in its resilience. After his dominant first reign was interrupted by Ilia Topuria, many wrote him off. At 35+ years old, statistically, featherweights rarely bounce back. Yet, Volkanovski did. He adjusted, rebuilt, and reclaimed the gold. His victory at UFC 325 wasn’t just a defense; it was a statement against Father Time.
This “Second Prime” is rare. It mirrors the late-career resurgences of legends like Randy Couture, proving that fight IQ can outlast physical peak. For fighters looking to understand how champions manage their bodies over long careers, our article on weight cutting science and risks offers crucial insights.
Championship Mentality: Moving Up
Another factor in the GOAT debate is their ambition outside the division. Both men dared to be great:
- Aldo: Moved down to Bantamweight late in his career, fighting for the title against Petr Yan.
- Volkanovski: Moved up to Lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev. While he fell short, his performance in the first fight was neck-and-neck, proving he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on Earth.
This willingness to face the “boogeymen” of higher weight classes—rather than protecting their record—is what endears them to fans. It’s a trait shared by true BMFs, a title often associated with the likes of Holloway and Poirier.
The Verdict: Who Stands Alone?
So, does tying the record make Volkanovski the undisputed GOAT? It’s a split decision.
The Case for Aldo: Longevity of the unbeaten streak. The “fear factor” he held over the division for a decade. He built the house that the featherweights live in.
The Case for Volkanovski: Strength of schedule. Beating Max Holloway three times is arguably a harder feat than any single run in Aldo’s career. Additionally, regaining the belt and defending it against the next generation (Lopes) shows a level of adaptability that Aldo struggled with in his later years.
With the win at UFC 325, Volkanovski has at least ensured that the title of “Greatest” is now a shared throne. If he manages one more defense—breaking the tie—the argument may be settled forever.
What’s Next for the Featherweight King?
Having cleared out the division twice, Volkanovski’s options are narrowing. A potential move back to Lightweight or a “Legacy Fight” seems imminent. There are whispers of a super-fight with the rising bantamweight king, or perhaps a fresh challenger emerging from the chaos of UFC 324.
For now, Australia celebrates. The King is back, and the record book has a new co-author.
FAQ: Featherweight Records & Stats
Who has the most title defenses in UFC Featherweight history?
José Aldo holds the record with 7 consecutive title defenses during his first reign. Alexander Volkanovski defended the title 5 times in his first reign and has now added defenses in his second reign, bringing his total title fight wins to 8, tying Aldo’s total wins (defenses + title victories).
Did Volkanovski ever beat José Aldo?
Yes. Alexander Volkanovski defeated José Aldo via unanimous decision at UFC 237 in Brazil (2019). This win was pivotal in earning Volkanovski his first title shot against Max Holloway.
What is the difference between a title defense and a title fight win?
A “defense” occurs when a current champion defeats a challenger. A “title fight win” includes winning the belt (as a challenger), winning a vacant title, or defending the belt. Aldo and Volkanovski are tied at 8 total UFC title fight victories.
Is Diego Lopes still a contender after UFC 325?
Absolutely. despite losing twice to Volkanovski, Diego Lopes remains one of the most dangerous finishers in the division. His submission skills and power ensure he will remain in the Top 5 mix.
How old is Alexander Volkanovski?
As of early 2026, Volkanovski is 37 years old, making his championship success even more remarkable given the statistical decline usually seen in lighter weight classes after age 35.
