Loyal fans celebrate the reign as Volkanovski presented Keys to the City

They did their best, but those pesky weather Gods couldn’t dampen the spirit of the Wollongong faithful who turned out to witness Alex Volkanovski receive the Keys to the City on Thursday night.

The two-time UFC featherweight champion was presented the Keys by Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown in front of friends, family, distinguished guests and a vocal bunch of passionate fans who turned out in rainy conditions to witness their hero receive the honour.

The reigning champion, and former No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, earned the City’s highest honour with his willingness to proudly represent Wollongong on the world stage, and for his dedication to numerous local charities and community organisations.

The grin said it all when the 36-year-old was handed his key, the same one he famously flashes at the camera when the Voice of the Octagon Bruce Buffer loudly proclaims ‘fighting, out of Windang, NSW, Australia’ moments before he goes to work.

"It means a lot, it's an honour," Volkanovski said.

"It's not just what I've achieved being a world champion, but who I am as a person and what I represent, getting the recognition and appreciation for that really means a lot. People ask me 'what keeps you humble?' and it's [Wollongong], being a part of the community and being accepted for just being Alex.

"I've always been proud of where I live and you see that when I walk out to the octagon, I'm telling everyone back home 'I know you're back home supporting me' and that's always been bigger than me winning a shiny belt. It's so much more than that. I've always done it for my family, my friends, where I live, and all my supporters so this really cool."

Volkanovski joins the likes of Olympic Gold Medallist Emma McKeon, motorsport legend Wayne Gardner, and his most recent predecessor as Keys to the City recipient Mr Justin Yerbury AM on Wollongong’s honour roll.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said the personal qualities and civic pride that accompany Volkanovski’s storied athletic career warranted the honour.

“We’re a sports-loving nation and elite athletes who rise to the top have a very large and influential platform,” Councillor Brown said.

“That Alex so often uses his in ways that highlight our beautiful city on the global stage, and to assist our charitable and community organisations close to home, shows the pride he has in where he comes from.

“I think our entire Wollongong community, particularly our young people, can look at what Alex has done as an athlete and ambassador for our city and feel that their dreams and aspirations are that little bit more within reach.

“It is an honour to present him with the Keys to the City and add his name to the list of incredible Wollongong citizens who have made such a profound impact on the life and history of our city.”

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