The Great is a two time FW champion. He lost the UFC featherweight title to Topuria via second-round knockout (a BRUTAL knockout) at UFC 298 in February 2024. That was his first UFC featherweight loss and ended a long reign that included five successful defenses, his UFC win streak was taken by Lightweight champ Islam in one of the most high level fights of recent years. He later regained the belt (winning it vacant after Topuria moved up) and has defended it successfully since, including two wins over Diego Lopes. As of now he is the reigning two-time champion, with a pro record of 28-4 and tied with Aldo for the most UFC featherweight title-fight wins (8). It cannot be overstated how  impressive it was to see The Great dig himself out of career ending position after two straight TKO/KOs part of a 3 fight skid. Bouncing back on the wrong side of 35 in the lighter weight classes is unheard of.  I know GOAT talk is driven by opinions for the most part, but One loss—especially to a younger, elite power puncher in his absolute prime—doesn’t wipe out years of dominance, especially when Volkanovski’s overall body of work is so strong imo. So where does old man Volk land in your opinion?

(On a side note does any other division in the UFC  have a three headed race for goat talk? Volk, Holloway, Aldo Jesus Christ what a list of champs!)