Alexander Volkanovski Plans To Defend Both Divisions After Beating Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski does not prepare to desert the featherweight department — the weight class he’s controlled for several years — after he wins the light-weight title at UFC 284, informing TMZ Sports he’s devoted to being active throughout both divisions.

We talked with the UFC’s featherweight champ/#1 pound-for-pound fighter ahead of his extremely prepared for centerpiece battle versus Islam Makhachev, light-weight champ, in Perth, Australia … as Volk tries to be the current double-champ.

Historically, champ-champs have actually not had the ability to defend both belts, something Alex is determined he’ll do.

“I made a promise that I’ll keep both divisions busy and I’m a man of my word. I’ve always been a man of my word and that’s just who I am and that’s what I plan on doing.”

“Obviously, you never know what happens, right? You break bones and all that type of stuff. I mean, 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.”

Now, beating Islam is simpler stated than done. He’s right behind AV when it pertains to the P4P list, and he’s been absolutely nothing except dominant on his method to the 155-pound title.

But, Volkanovski thinks he has the plan to win the battle … however easily confesses if he utilizes the incorrect gameplan, he might lose.

“If I have the wrong strategy, if I do things wrong, [Islam] 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.”

Often, fighters do not wish to expose their method … Volk isn’t the typical fighter. He flat out states he’s trying to find the knockout.

“You’re gonna see me really go and get him on the feet. Really go for it, really try to take that head clean off, you know what I mean? And look for that chin and do what I need to do. I need to capitalize on the feet so I really do believe that I can get the finish.”

We likewise talked with Alex about his ascension to the top of the pound-for-pound list, if he would ever increase to welterweight on the mission to be the UFC’s first-ever triple champ, and a lot more.