Las Vegas, NV — Alexander Volkanovski is back to featherweight at UFC 290 this Saturday, topping the crown jewel of this year’s International Fight Week, which includes the annual UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a fan expo, and other festivities.
After coming up just short in a bid for a second world title against Islam Makhachev back in February, it’s now time for Australia’s Volkanovski to attempt to unify the 145lb title with the man who won interim gold that same night in Sydney — Yair Rodriguez.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Yair. He’s a dangerous opponent. And that’s what I want,” Volkanovski (25-2) told media outlets including Cageside Press on Wednesday. “But I just want to show everyone why I’m the top of the featherweight division— and really show my skill set.”
The loss to Makhachev, via decision, was Volkanovski’s first in the UFC, and just second in his professional fighting career. “Obviously it stung straight afterwards, but play on, man. It just adds to the story,” the featherweight champ stated.
He’s not done with his pursuit of a second belt, either. Despite returning home to 145 for the Rodriguez fight, Volkanovski continues to campaign for a rematch with Makhachev, after giving the Dagestani fighter his toughest test in years.
“I’m going to get that rematch. Don’t worry. I’m gonna do my business this weekend, and I’ll get that rematch. And then it’s just going to add to the story,” said Volkanovski, admitting that their first fight “was a close one.”
“Do we think we did enough? Yeah. Was it a robbery? No, it was a very, very close fight. I know that. But I showed you guys and I showed everyone I definitely wasn’t going to get rag-dolled like everyone though. And ended up on top and really put it on him. But the next one, I’ll take that win and it’s just going to add to the story.”
Of course, for all the talk of titles up a weight class, there are still emerging contenders in the featherweight division to deal with. Case in point, Ilia Topuria, who impressed in a five-round beatdown of Josh Emmett just two weeks ago. Impressed some, at least.
“I wasn’t that impressed, you’s were. But I’m glad that everyone’s impressed, because that will hype up a future fight,” noted Volkanovski. “But I’ve got more of a threat in front of me this weekend. So I’m going to pay attention to that. If Ilia wants that smoke, it’s gonna be good because I know he will talk that trash, which is fun. Punching people in the face that talk trash is just so much better.”
There are other fights that appeal to Alexander Volkanovski as well. One would be for another UFC title on the line later this month: the BMF (you know, “baddest motherf*cker”) championship. Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier will fight for that prize at UFC 291, with the now-retired Jorge Masvidal the only other man to win that particular title.
“There’s a lot of, a lot of fun fights at lightweight. You never know. The BMF is going as well, maybe BMF, we’ll go get three belts, get the BMF [title],” said Volkanovski, asked about other fights he’d be down for. “Get an actual champ— I think that would be cool, get some credibility on that BMF belt, having a champ that goes in and takes it as well. That’s another option, there you go.”
“There’s a reason why they’re [Poirier and Gaethje] getting it. They’re exciting. Big names. So yeah, there’s a lot of exciting fights. These are definitely fights that can happen in the near future.”
Watch the full UFC 290 media day appearance by Alexander Volkanovski above.
