Volkanovski shocks UFC legend, calls for blockbuster Australian card

Alex Volkanovski has called for a title showdown against featherweight champ Max Holloway on a blockbuster card in Australia after dominating one of the greatest fighters in history.

Alex Volkanovski is likely to fight for the featherweight title. Picture: Getty

Alex Volkanovski wants to fight for a UFC title on the same Australian card as middleweight champ Robert Whittaker - but doesn’t want it conflicting with the NRL grand final.

Not so long ago a Wollongong concreter, Volkanovski now looks set for a blockbuster showdown with UFC featherweight champ Max Holloway after defeating Brazilian legend Jose Aldo at UFC 237.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph from Rio de Janeiro immediately after his stunning upset - which all three judges scored 30-27 - the Aussie said he now wanted Holloway, wanted onto the Whittaker card and wanted to get on the phone with wife Emma, who watched the bout with friends at a Shellharbour pub.

Alex Volkanovski is likely to fight for the featherweight title. Picture: Getty

Despite starting the fight as a -155 underdog with Las Vegas bookmakers, the former Warilla Gorillas prop dominated all three rounds against Aldo, a future UFC Hall of Famer.

“Mate, it feels incredible,” Volkanovski said only minutes after the win. “I mean, I’ve just beaten one of the greatest featherweights of all time. This will open all sorts of doors for me.”

Already, UFC president Dana White has said he wants Whittaker’s impending title defence against Israel Adesanya in Australia, with western Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium a potential venue.

During the Volkanovski/Aldo telecast out of Brazil, it was also revealed UFC 243, which is yet to have a headliner, is slated for October 6 (Australian time), or the same day as the NRL decider.

As a result, if the UFC wants Whittaker to headline that card, it would mean the US fight company going head-to-head with rugby league’s biggest event.

“So I’d rather a fight with Holloway not be on that date,” Volkanovski said from his dressing room. “And I don’t think the UFC would have a card with myself and Rob on that date either.”

But as for the rest?

“When it comes to me fighting Max Holloway, yeah, let’s get it sorted,” he said. “And on the same Australian card as Rob and Israel Adesanya.

“I mean, can you imagine it?

In case it didn't translate on the broadcast, this is how loud Jared Cannonier was booed by the Rio crowd.

It may be the loudest live crowd that I've heard at a UFC event that I've covered on location. pic.twitter.com/GvkA1uNqtv

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) May 12, 2019

Volkanovski just beat a guy Edgar never could. Yes wasn’t the most exciting but he won all 3 rounds. If I recall correctly Max lost the 1st round and maybe 2nd round in the first and second fight against Aldo.

— Raw Talk (@RawTalk5) May 12, 2019

Interesting to see what the UFC do with the Whittaker title fight & potential Volkanovski one now. Either have it Qudos & it will cost a fortune for a ticket & only hold 20K at best or have it at Marvel there will be cheaper tickets & you will get 50K+. #UFC237 #MakeTheRightCall

— Shiellsy (@chadnotweet) May 12, 2019

Volkanovski Was Game The Whole Time During The Fight. His Movement Was Crisp Combinations Were Flowing And Landing With Precision. Aldo Wasn’t His Old Self The Leg Kicks Wont There He Just Didn’t Have An Answer For Volkanoski Tonight. #UFC237

— Tx Punisher (@iiPunisher) May 12, 2019

“Having those two title fights in Australia ... it would be a cracker.”

And as for when the 30-year-old, now undefeated in all seven Octagon appearances, would be ready to go next?

“I can go straight away,” he insisted.

“I’ve got a couple and bumps and bruises from the fight, mainly from me kicking him (Aldo).

“But I’m ready to go whenever.

“Let’s get it done.”

Volkanovski also offered a shout out to his best mate, Wollongong bricklayer Eli Hutchinson, who along with fiancee Lauren Whitmee cancelled their wedding eight weeks ago after learning it would be on the same day as UFC 237.

Volkanovski KO’d Chad Mendes (right) in his previous fight. Picture: Getty

As a result, the Aussie fighter will now take up his role of best man in two weeks time.

“And that’s going to be a great party,” he said. “Can’t wait.

“I also want to get on the phone to my wife. I reckon this is a fairly good Mother’s Day present for her.”

As revealed by The Daily Telegraph last month, government officials from NSW, Victoria and Queensland are all in talks with the UFC about potentially hosting a UFC card with Whittaker as headliner. And the addition of a title fight involving Volkanovski would undoubtedly make the event the biggest ever in Australian combat sports.

Originally published as Volkanovski shocks UFC legend, calls for blockbuster Australian card