Published 02/07/2023, 3:15 PM EST
The result of the super-fight involving Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev might create a ripple effect that will affect the dynamics of the welterweight division, too. If the featherweight champion reigns supreme over the current lightweight king, ‘The Great’ has set his eyes on the 170 lbs crown next. The upcoming battle for the title of the best pound-for-pound fighter, which has the potential of shattering all PPV records, might push the Australian to endeavor for the third title in the UFC.
In a conversation with TheMacLife, the 34-year-old minutely discussed his coming UFC 284 fight. He talked about his preparation, the advantage of fighting in his backyard, and the aftermath of the fight.
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Alexander Volkanovski reveals the timeline for his welterweight challenge
Toward the end of the conversation, the reporter quizzed Volkanovski about the buzz of him moving up a division further. The Wollongong-born admitted that he doesn’t see the fight materializing in the immediate future.
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia celebrates during his post fight press conference after his win against Brian Ortega in their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
The #1 pound-for-pound fighter clarified he wanted to keep two divisions busy. However, he also specified his intention to separate himself from the rest.
Therefore, the 25-1 record holder declared, “They say it’s like, oh you never know right, you never know, wouldn’t it? I will never say definitely not going to happen. But I mean, maybe not in, maybe not this year.”
Subsequently, he gave a simple message to people who criticized him for looking for a new challenge.
Volkanovski’s apparent intentions of cementing his legacy
The City Kickboxing product continued and announced, “If I choose to do that, this is what this is. This is what’s different to me. To a lot of people and even Islam and all that a lot of people like there are ‘oh you making a mistake’ around… that’s you know that’s a terrible word. Like that’s a coward way of looking at it.”
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia taunts Brian Ortega in between rounds during their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Following this, he called out his doubters for not working, never challenging themself, and picking an easy fight. For this reason, the featherweight kingpin called them ‘weak’.
“What I mean that sh*’s weak even if I do say, I do choose to do 170. I ain’t gonna look at who it is and all that it’s gonna be whoever the champion is at the time. Whether they’re a full-blown, twice-a-size monster wrestler. If my goal is to do three belts, if that’s my choice, that’s just who I am,” he added later on.
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Lastly, Volkanovski stated, “You’re trying to tell me I’m mad for doing it. That just shows me how weak you are.”
Alexander Volkanovski will square off against Islam Makhachev on February 12, 2023, at UFC 284 at RAC Arena in Perth.
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Watch This Story– Alexander Volkanovski’s coach reveals a depressing incident that almost led to the retirement of the great
What do you think of these statements by UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski? Do you believe he can reign supreme in three different weight classes? Let us know in the comments below.