After closing the last chapter in his trilogy with Max Holloway by a dominating decision, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski set his eyes on another belt. In order to do that, the Australian bids to be the backup for the upcoming lightweight title bout.
Alexander ‘The Great’ is looking forward to extending his 22 bouts long win streak this October. However, not as a defending champion but to add another belt on his shoulder.
Since winning the belt from Max Holloway in 2019, the Windang native has racked up four consecutive title defenses. He now aims to put his name into the exclusive club of double champs.
During an interview with Daily Telegraph, the 33-year-old has addressed his intention to serve as backup for the upcoming lightweight title bout between former champion Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev at UFC 280.
“Remember when I said about never letting people take away opportunities away from me?” Volkanovski said.
“So if I’m fit enough, do I stand by and be ready (for UFC 280) just in case someone gets injured, which I’ve got a feeling someone will? Go and stand by so nobody can take that opportunity away from me?”
“That’s the type of guy I am. So we’ll see if it’s doable and I might be making that trip to Abu Dhabi. Because that’s who I am. Take away anything that can get in my way.”
For that, he will have a talk with UFC President Dana White to grant him the opportunity. The two will meet at the UFC 277 later this month.
However, to ensure the boss of the opportunity, he must make sure his injuries were fully healed. In his last outing against Holloway, Volkanovski broke his thumb mid-bout.
But despite that, Volkanovski said he is now stronger than ever and has started light training.
“I trained this morning. I was doing kickboxing this morning.”
“Without using this (lifts his left hand) hand, obviously. But I was kicking, punching with the right hand … I did strength at the start of the week.”
“Six weeks from now I’ll be able to grapple. Twelve weeks from when the injury happened, I’ll be full contact.”
“It will be properly healed. Like the rest of my bones if not stronger because of the screws.”