Featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski has a large — literally and figuratively — test in front of him on Saturday night at UFC 284, however, the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world is confident about earning a win and has some big plans for his 2023 UFC schedule.
On Sunday morning in Australia — Saturday evening in the United States — UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will move up a division to face reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in his first title defense.
Heading into the matchup, “The Great” is a sizable underdog despite being universally seen as the best fighter in the sport right now. That is a testament to Makhachev’s dominance during his rise up the 155-pound division. As well as the noticeable size difference between the two.
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The Australian admitted in a Friday interview with TMZ Sports that he needs to be mistake-free at UFC 284, but he sees a clear path to victory inside the RAC Arena in Perth.
“If I have the wrong strategy, if I do things wrong, he could win. He could get a decision. He could submit you. So you need to fight a great, great fight and you need to capitalize on the feet. You’re gonna see me really, really wanna capitalize on the feet.”
– Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski expects UFC 284 win, then defending both belts in 2023
Unsurprisingly, Alexander Volkanovski — a man that has not tasted defeat in the cage in nearly a decade — expects to get a victory at UFC 284. While he isn’t the favorite, he very much has more than a puncher’s chance against Islam Makhachev because he is one of the most talented and complete fighters in the UFC.
Assuming he does win on Saturday, the 145-pound champ wants 2023 to be one of the most active years of his career as he looks to solidify his place in MMA history by defending both the featherweight and lightweight belts this year.
“I made a promise that I’ll keep both divisions busy and I’m a man of my word … I want to be active. I want 2023 to be active and this is the year that will define my legacy. This is the one that everyone’s gonna be talking about. This is what I really want so I need to be active. So I want to do both divisions. I really do. I said I was gonna do it and I’m gonna try my best to actually do that.”
– Alexander Volkanovski
If he can beat Makhachev, there are many fascinating matchups ahead for Volkanovski. Including a bout against the winner of an interim title bout between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett, a rematch with Makhachev, and a potential clash with MMA superstar Conor McGregor if he can beat Michael Chandler later this year.