Discover why Alexander Volkanovski won’t be receiving the keys to his hometown of Wollongong. Despite being a renowned MMA fighter, the Lord Mayor believes he doesn’t reflect the peaceful spirit of the city.
Why Alexander Volkanovski Won’t Receive the Keys to His Hometown
Alexander Volkanovski, the current pound-for-pound greatest mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, won’t be receiving any special appreciation from his hometown of Wollongong. Despite being a true representative of the city, the Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Gordon Bradbery, believes that Volkanovski is a bad influence who doesn’t reflect the peaceful spirit of Wollongong.
Wollongong, located in New South Wales, Australia, is known for honoring notable individuals with a key to the city. However, Bradbery, who is not a fan of MMA, refuses to endorse an activity he considers violent. He believes that promoting violence goes against the values of the community and sends the wrong message to young people, especially with brain trauma being a concern.
Volkanovski, who recently defeated Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, has achieved excellence in his field and is widely recognized as one of the best fighters in MMA history. Despite not receiving the keys to Wollongong, he continues to thrive in his career with his numerous title defenses and global recognition.
While MMA has gained acceptance in North America, Australia still faces occasional criticism of the sport, often blaming it for street violence. However, Volkanovski remains unfazed by the decision and appreciates the support he receives from his fans and the town of Shellharbour, where he grew up and was awarded the keys in 2020 after winning his first championship.
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reference: www.mmamania.com