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.
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.
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