For the first time in his 12-year career, Alexander Volkanovski suffered back-to-back losses. He has not only lost consecutive fights but “The Great” also was knocked-out in both defeats.
Volkanovski stepped in on 10-days notice to face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a rematch at UFC 294 last October after former champion Charles Oliveira was forced out of the title bout due to a cut. Topuria knocked Volkanovski out four months later at UFC 298. Many wondered whether Volkanovski’s return was too early.
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker believes the loss to Makhachev definitely affected Volkanovski in the fight with Topuria.
“I didn’t mean to make it seem like I was downplaying Ilia. I think he is phenomenal,” Whittaker said on the MMArcade podcast. I know that losing to Makhachev and the fight against him affects you personally. He was affected by the loss, because it affects you whether you like to or not.
“Going into the fight with [Paulo] Whittaker went on to say, “Costa the last loss affected my performance.” I think I would have done better against Costa had I not. You’re still a little nervous after losing a fight and want to make everything better.
