Alexander Volkanovski is nicknamed “The Great” for a reason.

With a 25-2 record, already becoming one of the most consistently dominant featherweight champion in UFC history, the Australian-born fighter approaches a critical benchmark on July 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Coming off a controversial defeat against lightweight champion Islam Makachev earlier this year at UFC 284, this is Volkanovski’s golden opportunity to remind the general fighting fan how special of a performer he truly is. However, the test is legitimate going up against interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez (16-3) at UFC 290.

Volkanovski and Rodriguez headline the UFC’s International Fight Week card, regarded as the most loaded one of the calendar. Fights such as Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja (flyweight championship bout), Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis (middleweight No. 1 contender), and Jalin Turner vs. Dan Hooker (lightweight contest) could all headline their own cards, if so desired.

Providing Volkanoski the International Fight Week platform did wonders last year when he defeated Max Holloway in the co-main event. Now, as the headliner, Volkanovski’s star has only brightened over that span.

The definition of a true workhorse in the industry, Volkanovski will have fought four times over a 15-month span when he steps into the octagon with Rodriguez. Adding a win against Rodriguez, viewed as one of the most dangerous fighters via multiple styles in the division, would be a massive feather in the cap of the reigning, defending Australian champion.

According to UFC President Dana White, if Volkanovski defeats Rodriguez, a rematch against Makhachev is in store. Many believed Volkanovski won against the lightweight champion, but a decision loss occurred in his home country. White, like many other fight fans, thinks that matchup is well deserving of Round 2, if all goes to plan at UFC 290.

“You know what my thoughts are on that when you make a super fight, could you possibly have a better result than we did on that fight? Right? When the entire world is arguing over who won, that’s a super fight and it delivers right? The only thing that could possibly be better than that is the guy who’s fighting for the interim title comes out looking incredible, too. So, now you got Yair versus Volkanovski,” White said in February.

“We’ll see what happens with Islam and where he ends up fighting next,” White said of a potential Volkanovski vs. Makhachev rematch. “You have to do Yair [next]. I mean, [Yair] came out and absolutely dominated a stud that night and then you have the rematch after they both fight again. You could not have a better result.”

Even with the recent loss added to Volkanovski’s resume, it’s not one that did an harm to him. If anything, it only strengthened Volkanovski as one of the UFC’s best all-around pound for pound fighters.

An impressive performance for Volkanovski at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next month opens the door wide open for a looming super-fight rematch for multiple belts, potentially by the end of the year against Makhachev.

Only seven fighters in UFC history have simultaneously held two division belts: Randy Coutoure, BJ Penn, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, and Amanda Nunes.

Volkanovski has to cross the proverbial bridge to get another opportunity to add his name that illustrious list, but the aggressive attack of Rodriguez is eagerly awaiting him.

Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez will answer so many questions in the featherweight division hierarchy. Also, Volkanovski’s legendary status will be put squarely into the limelight as well.

Volkanovski might not exactly be a needle-mover compared to legends like Jon Jones and McGregor for pay-per-view buys, but the sheer greatness is becoming impossible to deny.