Volkanovski Proves Great Leaders Make Their Own Call

A note to young leaders.

What separates the great from the good?

At the peak of his powers, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski – the Australian UFC featherweight champion – took a massive risk. He moved up a weight division to challenge Islam Makhachev.

Volkanovski lost in a razor-close fight. Months later, he stepped in on short notice for a rematch – and was knocked out in the very first round.

Bloodied but unbowed, Volkanovski returned to his division to defend his featherweight crown – and was knocked out again, this time in round two by the younger Ilia Topuria, ending his dominant four‑year reign.

At 35, the pundits wrote him off. No fighter his age had ever reclaimed a title at the lighter weights.

But Volkanovski wasn’t listening: “Everyone is counting me out, but I love proving people wrong.”

In April this year, in Miami, Volkanovski faced Diego Lopes for the title. He was knocked down in the second round, lost vision in one eye in the fourth – but fought back to win by unanimous decision.

At 36, Volkanovski shattered the “35 year old” curse and reclaimed the belt.

Don’t let others call time on your career or your dream.

It’s your career, it’s your dream – you make the call.