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“And you know, eventually, I want to prove myself in that lightweight division too.”
In the current era of ‘champ champs’, UFC featherweight gold simply isn’t enough for Alexander Volkanovski.
Speaking to theScore in a recent interview, Volkanovski — the newly-crowned UFC featherweight champion — revealed his plans to eventually move up in weight to challenge Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC lightweight title, hailing ‘The Eagle’ as ‘one of the GOATs’.
“I don’t like people chasing other divisions, but (fighting Nurmagomedov) is definitely an option,” Volkanovski told theScore’s James Lynch. “Right now, I’ve got a belt to defend and then there’s probably going be number one contender (after that). But I mean early next year, if something comes to me, like that fight, I’ll have to take it.”
“Khabib is one of the GOATs as well. Nothing but respect for the dude,” Volkanovski said. “But I’m very, very hard to hold down. I’ve obviously got the brains. I’ve got the cardio. I’m a freak when it comes to holding on the ground; it’s just almost impossible holding me on the ground. Nothing but respect to all the fighters that are in the UFC, but every single one of us wants to prove something. And you know, eventually, I want to prove myself in that lightweight division too.”
Volkanovski is expected to run things back with Max Holloway at UFC 251 on July 11. The Australian powerhouse originally beat ‘Blessed’ via unanimous decision at UFC 245 but is more than happy to prove himself again in the rematch. The highly anticipated PPV will take place at the UFC Fight Island facility on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.