5 UFC fighters who could dethrone Alexander Volkanovski
![UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski [Image via @btsportufc on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/03/87b6c-16485526467932-1920.jpg?w=500)
Alexander Volkanovski has emerged as one of the most dominant champions in the UFC in recent years. The Australian has already defended his title three times, displaying a level of well-roundedness that makes him a tough stylistic matchup for anyone he goes up against.
In his most recent outing, he dominated 'The Korean Zombie' at UFC 273, coming away with a sensational fourth-round TKO victory.
A number of contenders are on the rise in the featherweight division. The reigning champion has no shortage of challengers to take on down the line as he looks to continue his unbeaten run in the UFC. Some fighters, more so than others, have a real shot at beating 'The Great'.
On that note, here are five UFC fighters who could potentially dethrone Alexander Volkanovski.
#5. Ilia Topuria – Has one-punch KO power unlike Alexander Volkanovski
Ilia Topuria is regarded by many as a future featherweight champion. The undefeated Georgian has enjoyed a resounding start to his UFC career and those in the know are well aware of his potential.
He joined the UFC in 2020 and made his promotional debut at UFC Fight Island 5, where he came away with a comfortable unanimous decision victory over Yousseff Zalal. In that performance, Topuria displayed brief glimpses of his championship caliber skillset. It was his next three bouts, however, that saw his stock rise tremendously.
His one-punch first-round KO victory over Damon Jackson at UFC Vegas 16 was his first statement-win in the promotion. He took on fan-favorite Ryan Hall in his next fight and thoroughly outclassed the popular grappling phenom, knocking him out in the first round. Hall was one of the most avoided fighters on the UFC roster for quite a while, making Topuria’s victory all the more impressive.
In his most recent outing, Topuria silenced a raucous English crowd at UFC London. He knocked out British lightweight Jai Herbert in devastating fashion to further extend his perfect record.
Ilia Topuria knocks Jai Herbert off his feet Jesus Christ https://t.co/1BDR42PD9A
While the fight against Jai Herbert Herbert was a lightweight bout, Ilia Topuria will be looking to return to featherweight next time around. He is currently ranked No.15 in the division.
Considering 145-pound champion Alexander Volkanovski has already beaten three of the top five contenders in the division, the UFC may look to fast-track certain fighters up the rankings. Despite being only 25, Topuria's skills are incredibly mature and he could find himself in more high-profile bouts down the line.
Check out some of Ilia Topuria's best finishes below:
If he does eventually get a crack at the title, Ilia Topuria will have the tools to emerge victorious over whoever he goes up against. In a bout with current titleholder Alexander Volkanovski, the Georgian will fancy his chances considering the stylistic matchup. Both fighters have similarly short and stocky frames, as well as solid skills on the mat. The key difference between them is that Topuria possesses fight-ending power in his fists.
Additionally, Ilia Topuria has finished 11 out of 12 opponents so far in his professional MMA career, while Alexander Volkanovski has never been known for his one-punch knockout power or submission skills. On the flipside, the Australian champion's durability, accuracy and volume could stifle 'El Matador'. It's a highly intriguing matchup that could go either way.