They questioned his age. They tipped his downfall.
Alexander Volkanovski, 38, stopped Movsar Evloev inside two rounds – and left the fight world debating whether anyone at featherweight has ever been better.
Gallen v Asofa-Solomona | Friday November 6 from 7pm AEDT | Australian sporting icon and crossover boxing king Paul Gallen returns to the ring to face his biggest opponent yet, Nelson ‘Big Nasty’ Asofa-Solomona. | Order now on Kayo Sports.
The Australian’s stunning TKO victory over his previously unbeaten challenger sparked a flood of tributes, with fighters and pundits marvelling at another extraordinary chapter in his career.
For many, it settled an argument once and for all.
“Volkanovski is the featherweight goat. Sorry Jose Aldo, Volk is the man,” fight scribe Blaine Henry wrote.
Danny Segura was equally emphatic.
“Alexander Volkanovski is an absolute legend. Unreal talent. He’s the featherweight GOAT, no other way about it.”
At 38, Volkanovski came into the fight facing questions about whether he could withstand the Russian’s wrestling, strength and relentless pace.
He finished it with Nick Peet celebrating both the performance and the man who delivered it.
“Alexander Volkanovski. Absolute The Great. That was incredible. Stopping #1 unbeaten contender by TKO in 2. That was glorious. Living legend. Age is just a number,” Peet wrote.
All the big knockouts from UFC 333! | 02:48
Former UFC title challenger Kenny Florian, meanwhile, had a message for those who had expected the Australian’s reign to end.
“So many wrote the Australian legend off!” Florian wrote.
“Volk took the young Russian to school. Professor Volkanovski, ladies and gentlemen! There are levels to this game, and the old lion is still hungry.
“Never mistake age for a lack of appetite.”
Aaron Bronsteter placed the Aussie among the most complete fighters the sport has seen.
“Volkanovski, skill-for-skill, is a top-5 fighter all-time,” Bronsteter wrote.
“So few holes in his game.”
Volk/Gaethje retirement superfight? | 03:59
That assessment captured the broader reaction on Sunday morning.
MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee summed up the amazement.
“Volkanovski just ran through an undefeated challenger like he was nothing,” Lee wrote.
And Aussie UFC star Casey O’Neill went a step further.
“Greatest Australian of all time. In fighting for sure but maybe also just in general,” she posted.