Alex Volkanovski ‘Can’t Wait’ To Take On UFC Champion

Alex Volkanovski is ready. And he is chomping at the bit to face Islam Makhachev.

Volkanovski is expected to challenge Makhachev for the title in early 2023 when the UFC visits Australia.

Recently, the reigning UFC featherweight champion appeared on Submission Radio to discuss the bout. The two will meet at UFC 284.

They squared off with one another after UFC 280 when Makhachev topped Charles Oliveira for the vacant title.

“Before they fought I was literally going for whoever I thought would fight me early next year, honestly,” Volkanovski said. “So, I was thinking Charles would want to be a little more active, so I’m thinking, I think I’m want Charles to win because I know he will fight me next year. Even though it might be in Rio, at least I know I’m fighting next year. And with Islam I wasn’t sure.

“Like, even though he did mention about Australia, I didn’t think it was gonna be serious. So, I didn’t know how to feel about that whole situation. But that’s why I went there, that’s why I did all that. Like I said, in a perfect world, the ideal situation was me going there, me solidifying myself as the next guy to fight for that title, and then hopefully fighting them in Australia. And that’s exactly what we got.

“And even better, we had Khabib call me out. We went inside the octagon and done the face off, which was not planned. So, it was just incredible. What a way to set up a massive super fight in Australia, giving the Aussie fans exactly what they deserve.”