‘Unbeatable’: World reacts to Alex Volkanovski’s ‘flawless’ win at UFC 273

Alex Volkanovski is being labelled the best UFC fighter in the world after the Aussie absolutely destroyed Korean Zombie on Sunday.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - APRIL 09: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia reacts during the featherweight title bout against Chan Sung Jung of South Korea during the UFC 273 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. James Gilbert/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Is Alexander Volkanovski the best UFC fighter in the world right now?

That’s the question fans and pundits are asking after the Australian defended his featherweight title with a dominant stoppage win over Jung Chan-Sung, aka “The Korean Zombie”, on Sunday.

Volkanovski put on an absolute clinic as he showcased his all-round fighting skills, pummelling Zombie with a barrage of leg kicks and jabs to the face and body.

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He took Zombie down late in the third round and hammered him with some ground and pound, leaving his face bloodied.

Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight early in the fourth round when Zombie was dazed by a brutal jab and was clearly wobbly on his feet.

Volkanovski won the fight via technical knockout, will all three judges scoring the bout 30-26 in his favour.

It was a demolition job by a man at the peak of his powers and the UFC world was quick to heap the highest of praise on Volkanovski.

UFC expert commentator Paul Felder said: “Volkanovski’s speed is better than we’ve ever seen, I believe.

Alex Volkanovski was way too good for Korean Zombie. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

“Beautiful timing on every shot. Right on the jaw. We talked about his well-roundedness, it’s on full display as the champion here tonight.”

“His ability to keep a tremendous pace — the footwork, the pace and the speed, is better than we’ve ever seen before, and he was already one of the best champions in the game,” Joe Rogan said after the second round.

“You put on a clinic tonight,” Rogan told Volkanovski straight after the bout.

“It was in my opinion your greatest performance inside the octagon. Your movement, your speed — everything was on another level.”

Volkanovski is an absolute SAVAGE!!! 😳#UFC273

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 10, 2022

Volkanovski might be as close to unbeatable as there is. Wow

— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) April 10, 2022

The ultra impressive victory prompted many UFC fans to declare Volkanovski is the best pound-for-pound fighter across all divisions.

He is currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC’s official rankings behind welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

Pundits argued Volkanovski’s latest showing proved the masses and the powers that be need to put some respect on his name.

Volkanovski is dominating the featherweight division. Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images/AFP

MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura tweeted: “Alexander Volkanovski is as good as you can possibly be in modern MMA.

“He needs to be talked about more in regards to being the pound-for-pound best. Phenomenal talent. Just a flawless win.”

MMA host Ben Kiely agreed: “I think Volkanovski is the best MMA fighter on planet Earth right now.”

Journalist Marcel Dorff said: “Volkanovski should be at least #2 P4P. At #1 would also be possible.”

Combat sports writer Daniel Yanofsky added: “Volkanovski is a warrior savage.”

Volkanovski has made it abundantly clear he wants to fight anyone and everyone who is willing to challenge him for the featherweight belt.

But such is his dominance of the featherweight division, a blockbuster trilogy fight with Max Holloway looms as his next genuine challenge.

Is Volk the best fighter in UFC right now? Photo: Fox Sports

Volkanovski won their two previous meetings and was meant to take on Holloway earlier this year but the American withdrew from the fight with an undisclosed injury.

A clash with Holloway on Australian soil would be a fitting way to close the chapter on his longrunning rivalry with his closest rival.

MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter said on Twitter: “The talent discrepancy at the top of the featherweight division between Volkanovski and Holloway and everyone else seems like a chasm.”

NBC Sports’ Phil Murphy added: “Masterful from Volkanovski. He’s still getting better. Volk-Holloway III, main event in Australia. Must be.”