Although Alexander Volkanovski is currently preparing to face Islam Makhachev next, he believes he is likely to cross paths with two-division champion Conor McGregor down the line.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, Volkanovski stated his desire to become a two-division champion himself and fight McGregor in the future. He said:
"There's only been four champions [in the featherweight division] and I've beaten every single one of them. The only one I haven't fought is Conor McGregor. He ain't fighting featherweight again...I'll do 170 [pounds], I'll do whatever. I'm bulking up. Have you seen what I'm eating? Four thousand calories."
Catch Alexander Volkanovski's full interview below:
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Volkanovski also recognizes that 'The Notorious' was the first fighter in UFC history to hold both the featherweight and lightweight belts simultaneously. That's why he wants to fight McGregor as a way to solidify his legacy in the UFC.
At UFC 280, Islam Makhachev chose to call out Volkanovski in his post-fight octagon interview after beating Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title. The Australian even shook hands with the Dagestani fighter in the octagon, agreeing to a potential super-fight between the featherweight champion and the lightweight champion.
With the title of No.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the line, this matchup certainly promises fireworks. While there has been no official confirmation from the UFC, both fighters seem eager for a throwdown at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.
Israel Adesanya backs Alexander Volkanovski to beat Islam Makhachev
Israel Adesanya has predicted his City Kickboxing teammate, Alexander Volkanovski, to prevail against Islam Makhachev in a potential showdown. Sitting down with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Adesanya was asked about his thoughts on Volkanovski's chances against the lightweight champion.
He said:
"He's got it. He's got it. Alex is different, bro...The way he's just able to put it on people with the work he does to even cut weight. He's a different breed, like, that Michael Phelps-type of different. People don't understand."
Watch Israel Adesanya's full interview with Ariel Helwani below:
Although there hasn't been any official confirmation yet from the UFC, it does seem increasingly likely that Alexander Volkanovski will face Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia early next year. The two champions will be fighting for the lightweight title as well as being crowned the No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.