Alexander Volkanovski's Top Five UFC GOATs: A Notable Omission

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski recently shared his personal list of the top five greatest fighters in UFC history, notably excluding Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov. In a video on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski named Demetrious Johnson, Georges St-Pierre, Islam Makhachev, Israel Adesanya, and Anderson Silva as his top picks. He emphasized the competitive nature of the flyweight division, stating, “I don’t know how many title fights he won. The level of competition at flyweight, I don’t think people understand. It is so competitive.”

Alexander Volkanovski reveals his top 5 UFC fighters of all time which doesn’t include Jon JonesAlexander Volkanovski snubs Jon Jones when naming his 'top five UFC GOATs' in historyAlexander Volkanovski leaves out Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov on top 5 GOAT list‘I’ve always said him’: Why UFC icon is still on Volk’s hit list… and his surprising all-time top 5

Volkanovski praised Makhachev, who has defeated him twice, as deserving of a place in the GOAT conversation due to his impressive resume, which includes victories over notable fighters like Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier. He acknowledged Nurmagomedov as an honorable mention, citing his undefeated record but ultimately favoring Makhachev for his accomplishments. “Khabib could have easily done it... but I care about who you fought,” Volkanovski explained.

Alexander Volkanovski snubs Jon Jones when naming his 'top five UFC GOATs' in historyAlexander Volkanovski leaves out Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov on top 5 GOAT listAlexander Volkanovski reveals his top 5 UFC fighters of all time which doesn’t include Jon Jones‘I’ve always said him’: Why UFC icon is still on Volk’s hit list… and his surprising all-time top 5

Volkanovski's relationship with Makhachev is significant, as they faced off in two high-stakes bouts in 2023. Their first encounter at UFC 284 ended in a decision loss for Volkanovski, while he was knocked out in their rematch at UFC 298. Despite these setbacks, Volkanovski regards their first fight as his favorite, highlighting the intense competition and the atmosphere surrounding the event in Australia. “It was my first fight back in Australia after being champion... you can imagine the hype,” he remarked.

Alexander Volkanovski leaves out Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov on top 5 GOAT list‘I’ve always said him’: Why UFC icon is still on Volk’s hit list… and his surprising all-time top 5Alexander Volkanovski reveals his top 5 UFC fighters of all time which doesn’t include Jon JonesAlexander Volkanovski snubs Jon Jones when naming his 'top five UFC GOATs' in history

Volkanovski’s omission of Jon Jones, a fighter widely regarded as the GOAT by many fans and analysts, has sparked discussions about the criteria for greatness in MMA. Jones's career has been marred by controversies, including multiple failed drug tests, which may contribute to differing opinions on his legacy. Volkanovski's choices reflect a focus on competition and fight quality rather than accolades alone.

Alexander Volkanovski reveals his top 5 UFC fighters of all time which doesn’t include Jon Jones

Looking ahead, Volkanovski is set to face the winner of an upcoming bout between top featherweight contenders Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev. He expressed a particular interest in fighting Evloev, stating, “He’s undefeated... the last undefeated guy I lost to, so I haven’t been able to take someone’s zero yet.”

‘I’ve always said him’: Why UFC icon is still on Volk’s hit list… and his surprising all-time top 5

• “Top five UFC GOATs, I’m gonna be completely honest, Demetrious Johnson, I don’t know how many title fights he won, the competition and level at flyweight, I don’t think people understand, it is so competitive,” — Alexander Volkanovski

‘I’ve always said him’: Why UFC icon is still on Volk’s hit list… and his surprising all-time top 5

• “Khabib could have easily done it.” — Alexander Volkanovski

Alexander Volkanovski leaves out Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov on top 5 GOAT list

• “It was my first fight back in Australia after being champion, so you can imagine.” — Alexander Volkanovski

Alexander Volkanovski leaves out Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov on top 5 GOAT list

Volkanovski's insights into the GOAT debate highlight the complexities of evaluating greatness in MMA, emphasizing the importance of competition and personal experiences in shaping perceptions of legacy.

Alexander Volkanovski reveals his top 5 UFC fighters of all time which doesn’t include Jon Jones