- Alexander Volkanovski revealed his target weight for UFC 284
- “The Great” wants to have a perfect balance and would go lighter than expected
Just before Christmas, Alexander Volkanovski said he’s been bulking up and eating almost everything he wants ahead of his title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. But as the bout approaches, the pound-for-pound king is now determined to be a bit leaner and just packed with muscles.
Below 80 kilograms
Speaking to The AllStar podcast, Volk revealed that the plan is to be at 78 kilos maximum en route to the clash against Makhachev. “The Great” is certain he’ll be at his best at the said weight as the balance of muscles and water will be just perfect.
“A lot of people think that I’m a short featherweight but but I’m reasonably heavy. I’ve always been a bit heavier than the most featherweights… I just hold a lot more water,” Volkanovski explained. “… A lot of people think I’m just gonna walk in on weight. I’m like, 80 kilograms. I got up to 80 kilograms for this one. Now, I’m gonna start bringing it down,” Volkanovski added. “I don’t wanna fight at that weight. I wanna fight a little bit lighter. I wanna make sure I’m at the perfect (balance) where I’m just as strong and still just as fast. I think the 77, 78 max. I don’t want to go much more than that. [Just] Really lean and just that explosive muscle.”
Volkanovski used to be a lot heavier than his current weight but this will be the first time he’s fighting at the lightweight division since 2016. Despite appearing to be at his best as a featherweight, Volk has also proven that he could take out natural lightweights, having TKO’d Yusuke Kasuya in his UFC debut.
Bold predictions
Makhachev has previously predicted that it will only take him 15 seconds to make Volkanovski suffer inside the cage. Khabib Nurmagomedov believes his protégé would be coming in aggressive and would let Volk “eat a lot of knees.” On the other hand, Volkanovski sees himself taking advantage of his short stature come fight night.
Volkanovski is coming in off a 12-fight winning streak, including four title defenses. Makhachev, meanwhile. will defend his lightweight strap for the first time since beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
UFC 284 will take place on Feb. 11 at the Rac Arena in Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
