Alexander Volkanovski has warned his rivals he might have to move up to lightweight after proving he was “levels ahead” of his featherweight peers with a clinical title defence against Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273 on Sunday.
The champion, who has lost only once in 25 professional bouts, produced a stellar performance in the main event at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, to triumph by fourth-round TKO. Referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the contest, with "The Korean Zombie" badly bloodied and bruised.
With a third successful title defence, Volkanovski took his undefeated streak to an incredible 21, while he is now 11-0 in the UFC since debuting in November 2016.
A trilogy bout with former champion Max Holloway seems the obvious next challenge – Chan was apparently a late replacement for the injured Hawaiian, whom Volkanovski defeated for a second time in Abu Dhabi in July 2020 – although the Australian said he would not wait around for anyone.
Next month, lightweight champion Charles Oliveira puts his belt on the line against No 1-ranked contender Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I’m in a position where I can do a couple things,” Volkanovski told reports at the post-fight press conference. “And if this division don’t want to sort itself out and they’re all going to sit back and wait for [expletive], fine I’ll move up and fight at lightweight. I’m an easy champ to understand: take that No 1 spot you get that shot.
“If not, let’s move up. I think we’re in a good position to maybe move up. See what happens in this lightweight title fight and maybe move up. Because again I’m showing I’m levels ahead in this division.”
Asked about the weight adjustment from 145 lbs to 155 lbs, and whether he would need to seriously bulk up, Volkanovski said: “I don’t think I need to. I’m pretty strong for the featherweight division; I’m strong for the lightweight division, too. Most of my training partners are lightweights and welterweights anyway.
“People forget, I fought at middleweight. We talk about pound-for-pound, you’ve got to remember I’m undefeated at middleweight, my only loss is at welterweight. I’m undefeated in every other division. Look what I’m doing to some of these guys. I’ve fought at all different weights. We talk about pound-for-pound, it’s there, I’m showing you what I can do.
“Again, I’m owning that crown. So from now on, as I said last time I talked to you guys, ‘Bald Volk’ is coming for everyone. So lightweight division, watch out.”
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Gulf rugby
Who’s won what so far in 2018/19
Western Clubs Champions League: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Dubai Hurricanes
West Asia Premiership: Bahrain
What’s left
UAE Conference
March 22, play-offs:
Dubai Hurricanes II v Al Ain Amblers, Jebel Ali Dragons II v Dubai Tigers
March 29, final
UAE Premiership
March 22, play-offs:
Dubai Exiles v Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Hurricanes
March 29, final
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
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- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
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MATCH STATS
Wolves 0
Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi 90 4' pen)
Red cards: Joao Moutinho (Wolves); Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Man of the match: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
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From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.
It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.
Women's Prize for Fiction shortlist
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Milkman by Anna Burns
Ordinary People by Diana Evans
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Circe by Madeline Miller
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Fight card
- Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (Nigeria) beat Artid Vamrungauea (Thailand) POINTS
- Julaidah Abdulfatah (Saudi Arabia) beat Martin Kabrhel (Czech Rep) POINTS
- Kem Ljungquist (Denmark) beat Mourad Omar (Egypt) TKO
- Michael Lawal (UK) beat Tamas Kozma (Hungary) KO
- Zuhayr Al Qahtani (Saudi Arabia) beat Mohammed Mahmoud (UK) POINTS
- Darren Surtees (UK) beat Kane Baker (UK) KO
- Chris Eubank Jr (UK) beat JJ McDonagh (Ireland) TKO
- Callum Smith (UK) beat George Groves (UK) KO
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
The specs: 2018 GMC Terrain
Price, base / as tested: Dh94,600 / Dh159,700
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 252hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 353Nm @ 2,500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.4L / 100km
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THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
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The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
