Alexander Volkanovski won't be getting any fancy keys to his hometown of Wollongong anytime soon.
Alexander Volkanovski won’t be getting any fancy keys to his hometown of Wollongong anytime soon. The mayor there has a serious problem with mixed martial arts and thinks Volkanovski is a bad influence. Even though Volkanovski is a hometown hero and the UFC featherweight champion. The mayor doesn’t want to endorse violence.
Wollongong is in Australia and Volkanovski is a true representative of the city. He lives, trains, and breathes the Wollongong air. But the mayor, Gordon Bradbery, is not a fan of MMA and doesn’t think it reflects the peaceful spirit of the community. In Wollongong, they usually give a special key to notable people who have achieved excellence. But Volkanovski won’t be getting one.
The mayor said he has a responsibility not to endorse violent things and promote violence. He believes that MMA goes against the values of the community and sends the wrong message to young people. Especially with brain trauma being a concern. Bradbery thinks it’s important to discourage activities like MMA that he sees as promoting violence.
It’s not surprising that the mayor feels this way. He’s 72 years old and used to be a church pastor. MMA is still controversial in Australia and there are often negative articles blaming it for various acts of violence. But Volkanovski doesn’t need the keys to Wollongong to know he’s achieved greatness. He has millions of dollars, five successful title defenses, and global recognition as one of the best fighters ever.
For now, Volkanovski will have to make do without the keys to Wollongong. Luckily, he already has the keys to Shellharbour his hometown. They recognized his achievements and awarded him the keys in 2020 after he won his first championship. So while Wollongong may not appreciate his greatness. Volkanovski can still proudly represent his roots in Shellharbour.
It’s the recognition and support of the fans that truly matter to Volkanovski. He’ll continue to shine in the octagon and show the world what he’s capable of, even without the keys to his own city. The mayor’s disapproval won’t dampen his spirit or diminish his accomplishments.
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