“Against Everything We Stand For”: Dismissing Entire Achievements, Australian Mayor Shuns MMA as Hometown Local Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC Feats Gets Questioned by 72 Y.O.

What? The Mayor really said that? Well, it’s a popular opinion that UFC Featherweight nightmare Alex Volkanovski has really outdone himself after his dominating UFC 290 title defense. But, even after all he’s done – to expect that anyone would have a beef with ‘The Great’ is rather shocking.

Gordon Bradbery, the Lord Mayor of the city of Wollongong(New South Wales), has recently stunned local and global ‘Volk’ fans with a rather bizarre statement. In contrast, Volkanovski, a local hero in his city, has done nothing but one-up himself in every aspect of the toughest combat sport in the world. And, you will be quite stunned to hear what the Mayor labels ‘The Great’.

Wollongong Mayor’s bold statement on the UFC

Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski just dismantled interim featherweight champ Yair Rodriguez last Sunday. Following his win, Volk was spotted partying with several UFC and NBA top guns at a Las Vegas party featuring DJ Diesel aka NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. But seems like Volk’s accolades have landed him on the bad side of the Mayor.

In a recent interview with ABC News, Bradbery gave his two cents on what he thinks of ‘The Great.’ When asked about his take, he said, “I have a responsibility as the lord mayor of the city and as a responsible human being not to endorse those things which are violent.” What’s more – the Mayor made a very bold remark aimed directly at the UFC.

The Wollongong Mayor even made a bold declaration about the UFC: “You can decorate it as much as you like, but UFC is a violent activity.”

The mayor’s stance has raised eyebrows among over 300 million global UFC fans. Despite being at the #1 UFC pound-for-pound ranking, the Featherweight champion will not be endowed with the keys to the city. These keys symbolize the highest honor awarded by the council for exceptional achievements in a chosen field. Volkanovski, who trains in Windang at Freestyle Fighting gym, has held the Featherweight title since 2019, making him deserving of such recognition.

Alexander Volkanovski’s “profile” contradicts the Mayor’s moral sentiments

Mayor Bradbery expanded on his perspective, stating, “It is against everything we stand for in our community in terms of violence and promoting violence.” He further highlighted the importance of addressing brain trauma, particularly among young people.

“What sort of endorsement is this if I put that nomination forward when his profile is supporting an activity like that?” he added. According to the Mayor, endorsing Volk would contradict the message the community wants to send.

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Some might not find Bradbery’s reaction startling, considering that the 72-year-old mayor was a church pastor before entering politics. This is also not the first time that MMA has come under scrutiny in Australia.  Some incidents of violence, such as bar brawls and street fights, have been reported in the media and attributed to the sport.

What do you think about the Mayor’s concerns? Do you think it’s fair on ‘The Great’?

Watch this story: UFC Champ Alexander Volkanovski Parties With DJ Diesel Shaquille O’Neal After UFC 290