Alexander Volkanovski says a fight with Conor McGregor could transpire.
Volkanovski vs. McGregor?
‘The Great’ has lived up to his nickname, doing extraordinary things in the UFC Featherweight division. Volkanovski has defeated almost every champion in the division, holding wins over Jose Aldo and Max Holloway. He’ll look to add interim champion Yair Rodriguez to his collection of wins this Saturday at UFC 290.
But, one name Volkanovski has yet to cross off his list is McGregor, who captured the UFC’s 145lb strap back in 2015. Of course, ‘The Notorious’ never defended that title as he fled to the lightweight division to win yet another championship at UFC 205. McGregor was stripped of the featherweight title weeks after, never to return to that weight again.
‘I’ll Be In A Position Where He Will Want That Fight’
Volkanovski’s UFC story began after McGregor’s featherweight run had ended, but the Australian still has hope that he’ll cross paths with Conor some day.
“I just focus on what’s in front of me, and that’s Yair, maybe lightweight. But I mean, Conor is definitely something I wanna do,” Volkanovski said on ‘The Believe You Me Podcast’.
“I think he’s even a little interested in it, so we’ll see. I’ve got a couple of things I need to do, and I’m guessing it’s gonna be a while till he’s ready to get in there anyway, so I’ll do my thing and I’ll be in a position where he will want that fight. That legacy, sort of where I’m at, my hype around myself is gonna be on a whole another level as well. That’s where I plan on being in a year or so.”
McGregor, 34, is at a sort of crossroads in his career. After ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’ had wrapped up filming, the Irish superstar was thought to be fighting Michael Chandler before the end of this year. However, that doesn’t look to be the case anymore as McGregor has yet to re-enter the USADA testing pool.
It is also uncertain on if ‘The Notorious’ will even return against the likes of Chandler, which would leave the window open for a super-fight with the current featherweight champ.
Volk’s Other (Perhaps More Realistic) Plans
Until that day comes, Volkanovski has contemplated another move to lightweight after his next fight.
“I definitely want that rematch again [with Islam Makhachev],” Volkanovski revealed. “I think it’s a fun fight, it’s a fight that everyone wants to see. That’s something I do wanna do and again, I wanna be active. While people are doing their thing in featherweight, it’s legit, I can keep two divisions busy. I really can and I’m proving that.
I would’ve fought earlier if I could, but I had to wait till this date. That’s just how it is. I definitely wanna move up, get that rematch and, and get that belt. And again, keep both divisions busy. I’ve still got my eye on that, but obviously I’ve gotta focus on Yair, he’s a dangerous threat. I plan on doing my thing, getting my hand raised and moving up to lightweight and playing both.”
Alexander Volkanovski came up short in his quest for double-champ status at UFC 284, where he was defeated by Islam Makhachev by split decision.
If ‘The Great’ overcomes Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, he’ll look to right his wrongs in a rematch against lightweight king Makhachev.
