Alexander Volkanovski last competed at UFC 237, defeating former UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo by unanimous decision.
After such a big victory, all that Volkanovski would like now is a shot at UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway.
“He’s a legend,” Volkanovski said after the event (via Fernanda Prates & Ken Hathaway of MMA Junkie). “He’s a legend for a reason. I’m not going to just take stupid risks. He’s explosive, I said he was going to be dangerous. I fight smart. I think I’m very composed in there and you can see that. And that’s why I’m a real threat. But you give me someone like Max Holloway, who’s going to just come forward at me like he does, ready for a war. It’s going to be a cracker. Five rounds of that? I’m sure everyone’s keen for that.”
Holloway last competed in the main event of UFC 236, suffering a unanimous decision loss to UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier.
If Holloway isn’t able to return fast enough, one thing Volkanovski is willing to do is fight for an interim title.
“Just depends,” Volkanovski said. “How long will I have to wait? If he’s injured for that long – interim titles are getting thrown around a bit, I’ll fight for that interim title. Make that championship money. But whatever. We’re going to have to sit and talk, but I want that title. I definitely, as you said, my claim is rock solid. I’m undefeated. I just beat the No. contender. So I’m the guy. I really am. I’ve come to Brazil and I took the King of Rio. I said, once I do that, I’ll be the guy that everyone is saying deserves that title, so I just want that shot.”
There are three fighters ranked ahead of Volkanovski in the featherweight division and only one, Frankie Edgar, hasn’t faced Holloway.
