Alexander Volkanovski faced his stiffest test yet in the UFC by taking on No. 1 featherweight contender Jose Aldo at UFC 237 in Brazil on Saturday. Two explosive fighters who pack a punch, the fight didn't ever reach its pinnacle potential, but Volkanovski outworked Aldo throughout three rounds to come away with the unanimous decision, 30-27.
Volkanovski remained active throughout all three rounds, mixing a good combination of punches and leg kicks. Aldo didn't look particularly hurt at any point in the fight, but just never seemingly got into it. As the announcers pointed out, he seemed to be fighting not to get knocked out rather than fighting to win His passive approach to the fight ultimately cost him his status as No. 1 in the division.
Alexander Volkanovski has now won 17 straight professional MMA fights and is a perfect 7-0 in the UFC. With the win, he now has a strong case to be next in line for a title shot.