![](https://www.si.com/.image/t_share/MjAxNTM0ODEzODkzNTY4MDUz/alexander-volkanovski-wont-just-fight-islam-makhachev-at-ufc-294.jpg)
Alexander Volkanovski Fights 2 Opponents at UFC 298
At 35 years-of-age, Alexander Volkanovski faces a new challenger whenever he makes a championship appearance in the UFC, a so-called "curse" which has befallen many UFC veterans.
Fighters aged 35 and over --- in men's divisions below middleweight --- have a record of 2-23 in title fights (including interim). The sole individual to secure victories at the age of 35 or older while weighing under 185 pounds is Tyron Woodley, against Demian Maia and Darren Till.
Name | Weight | Age | Defeated by |
---|---|---|---|
Joseph Benavidez | Flyweight | 35 years | Deiveson Figueiredo |
Joseph Benavidez | Flyweight | 35 years | Deiveson Figueiredo |
Deiveson Figueiredo | Flyweight | 35 years, 34 days | Brandon Moreno |
Urijah Faber | Bantamweight | 35 years | Dominick Cruz |
Dominick Cruz | Bantamweight | 35 years | Henry Cejudo |
T.J. Dillashaw | Bantamweight | 36 years | Aljamain Sterling |
Henry Cejudo | Bantamweight | 36 years | Aljamain Sterling |
Kenny Florian | Featherweight | 37 years | José Aldo |
Frankie Edgar | Featherweight | 37 years | Max Holloway |
The Korean Zombie | Featherweight | 35 years | Alexander Volkanovski |
Josh Emmett | Featherweight | 37 years | Yair Rodriguez |
Tony Ferguson | Lightweight | 36 years | Justin Gaethje |
Michael Chandler | Lightweight | 35 years | Charles Oliveira |
Pat Miletich | Welterweight | 35 years | Carlos Newton |
Gil Castilo | Welterweight | 37 years | Matt Hughes |
Demian Maia | Welterweight | 39 years | Tyron Woodley |
Tyron Woodley | Welterweight | 36 years | Kamaru Usman |
Jorge Masvidal | Welterweight | 35 years | Kamaru Usman |
Jorge Masvidal | Welterweight | 36 years | Kamaru Usman |
Kamaru Usman | Welterweight | 35 years | Leon Edwards |
Kamaru Usman | Welterweight | 35 years | Leon Edwards |
Alexander Volkanovski | Lightweight | 35 Years | Islam Makhachev |
Colby Covington | Welterweight | 35 Years | Leon Edwards |
If Volkanovski pulls off the upset at UFC 298 by defeating his 27-year-old adversary, he would become the only man below welterweight to win a championship bout at his age.
The odds are certainly stacked against him as he recovers from a devastating knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in late-2023. However, if "The Great" has made one thing for certain, it's that he's a cut above the rest and ready to break the mold once again.
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA