- Alexander Volkanovski believes he is fighting for the title in his next fight at featherweight
- “The Great” has made himself available for big-name lightweight contenders
Alexander Volkanovski remains optimistic about fighting for the featherweight title next but also likes to welcome a lightweight bout with Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler.
A title fight at 145, Dustin at 155
Speaking to ESPN Australia, “The Great” reiterated his plan to take on “The Diamond” as one of his “fillers” while he waits for a date for his featherweight title fight. For Volk, it’s no-brainer that his next fight at 145 would be against the champion but he would also entertain a temporary move to 155 for a showdown with someone like Poirier or maybe McGregor.
“I made it pretty clear. My next fight at Featherweight will be for the title,” Volkanovski declared. “It’s just the time. Obviously, I wanted to wait. I don’t know what exactly are the plans. I haven’t been hounding the UFC, just sort of been taking it easy. So, I don’t know if they got plans. I know for a fact my next fight is for the title. Whether something happens before that, and if that’s the case, does that mean I’m waiting too long? That’s where I’m like, if that is the case, alright, maybe Dustin Poirier, that would be an incredible fight.”
“Obviously, he’s a good dude with a lot of respect for each other. Big name, very, very fun fight,” he continued. “That’s something, and I just thought I’d put fillers out so you never know. I mean I put more fillers out Conor McGregor, Chandler, you know, whoever, lightweight division looks good but my next Featherweight fight is for the belt.”
Volk is unlikely to get booked for now
While Volkanovski’s plans appear to be clear, it’s not what the next featherweight title fight and Poirier’s mindset say at this point. After losing to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, “The Diamond” hinted at possible retirement and admitted that he needs to know first if he still has a sensible reason to continue fighting.
On the other hand, Chandler had just confirmed that his UFC 303 bout with McGregor is still happening. As for the featherweight title, reigning champion Ilia Topuria said he is likely to face Max Holloway for his first title defense and not a rematch with Volkanovski.
Watch Volkanovski’s full interview below:
