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Alexander Volkanovski is the official backup fighter for the main event of the UFC 280 card.
On October 22, UFC returns to Fight Island for one of their most star-studded cards of the year. Charles Oliveira will fight Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title in the main event. 'The Great' is the backup fighter for this fight. This means he will be ready to replace either fighter.
If Charles Oliveira or Islam Makhachev end up not making weight, Alexander Volkanovski will step in and fight for his second belt. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, the UFC's P4P best revealed who he would prefer to fight between Oliveira and Makhachev:
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"I'd say Charles would be the better opponent. People say stylistically, but obviously, there's a lot of hype around Charles. Everyone considers him the champ so if I beat him then everyone's going to consider me the champion."
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Volanovski believes in the eyes of the fans he will have to beat Charles Oliveira, who has captured the hearts of the fans. It is not about the belt, rather it is about beating the guy that people believe is the champion. The winner of the fight between Oliveira and Makhachev will end up fighting 'The Great' next.
Take a look at a clip from the interview:
Charles Oliveira wants to defend his belt against Alexander Volkanovski, then challenge him for his belt
Charles Oliveira has revealed his next steps if he becomes the lightweight champion on October 22. The Brazilian knows a fight against Alexander Volkanovski is inevitable, so he wants to defend his title against the Australian in Brazil. He would then challenge 'The Great' for his Featherweight title in Australia:
"If we're gonna make this happen, Charles vs. Volkanovski, we're gonna have it two ways. We're gonna fight at 70 (kg, which is 155lbs) and then we're gonna fight at 60 (kg, 132lbs) at the end of the year. We're gonna fight in two weight divisions."
He revealed that he was willing to fight Volkanovski in February next year for their second fight. Olievera believes the fight will be in Australia, 'The Great's' home country. Dana White has also reportedly suggested a title fight between the pair, so everything points to a multi division fight series between 'Do Bronx' and 'The Great' if he wins this weekend.
Take a look at the video:
