Alexander Volkanovski plans on being "a couple kilos" heavier for Islam Makhachev fight

Alexander Volkanovski is set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title next month as he looks to become just the fifth double champion in UFC history. The featherweight champion recently shared that he is only planning to be a few kilograms heavier despite fighting at a higher weight class.

Speaking to David Adesanya, the brother of Volkanovski's teammate Israel Adesanya, the No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter stated:

"That's where the science comes in. We want it optimal so we wanted that extra couple of kilos. Again, we don't want it too much here. Right now, it's, you know, five kilos more than what I'm usually walking around at."

Volkanovski continued:

"Now, it's time to get back all that excess weight - to get down the extra fats, some of that water. I'm going to be at probably a couple kilos heavier - a few kilos heavier on fight night than I would be at featherweight. I don't want to be much more than that."

He added that he will only cut about six to seven kilograms during fight week. Volkanovski has won each of his four previous fights at lightweight, including his UFC debut, however, he hasn't competed in the division in over six years. His only career loss came at welterweight all the way back in 2013. 'The Great' has won 22 consecutive fights since then.

Watch Alexander Volkanovski discuss his planned weight for UFC 284 below (starting at the 7:32 mark):

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Alexander Volkanovski discusses Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence from UFC 284

Khabib Nurmagomedov will not be in Islam Makhachev's corner at UFC 284 despite his close friend and training partner attempting to become the UFC's pound-for-pound king. Alexander Volkanovski recently shared his thoughts on the UFC Hall of Famer's absence. Speaking to Nick Walshaw of FoxSports Australia, the featherweight champion stated:

"They better not use it as an excuse once this is all done. At the end of the day, Makhachev will prepare and we’re going to fight. He doesn’t need someone to hold his hand. Doesn’t need someone to be in there with him. That’s not a real fighter. So when my hand gets raised, that better not come up."

Volkanovski added that he believes Makhachev did not have as tough of a path to the title due to his relationship with Khabib. As for the lightweight champion, he acknowledged that things will be different, however, he pointed out that he has previously competed without his friend in his corner, noting that when the fight begins, you are alone.