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Alexander Volkanovski will join an exclusive list of elite fighters if he manages to dethrone Islam Makhachev and simultaneously carry two titles, prompting the Australian to make a request to the fans ahead of potentially making history.
'The Great' has a huge test on his hands next time out, but despite moving up in weight to chase champ-champ status, he has announced his interest in returning to 145 lb to defend the belt he currently holds. Upon his return, the star will be met by one of either Yair Rodriguez or Josh Emmett as the two battle it out for a shot next.
While discussing his upcoming title bout, Alexander Volkanovski demanded that supporters keep the same narrative as they are now if he manages to beat Islam Makhachev later this year. Volkanovski said:
"I've said this a few times, it's a Rocky story... I'm cool to go with that narrative, but as I've said before, don't change it. Don't all of a sudden say, 'He's [Makhachev's] not that strong, he's not that big, or he's not that good.'"
"You guys think he's invincible, remember that when I get my hands raised, don't change that sh*t, because that's what's going to really p*ss me off. I don't feel disrespected. You want to put him on a pedestal? Good, it makes my win bigger. But once I win, don't take that away from me."
Heading into this fight, Alexander Volkanovski is largely expected to suffer his first loss in the octagon, and Makhachev is widely predicted to go on to capture his opponent's #1 pound-for-pound ranking spot.
Check out what the featherweight king had to say to fans about his upcoming bout in the video below.
When is Islam Makhachev fighting Alexander Volkanovski?
After shocking the world last year and making short work of Charles Oliveira, Makhachev will once again get the chance to shine when he offers Volkanovski the chance to become a two-division champion at UFC 284.
With a combined record of 48 wins and 2 losses, the two superstars will serve as the main event for the UFC's pay-per-view event, which takes place in Perth, Australia next month.
There are a number of must-watch matchups on the card, but the majority of the MMA world will likely be tuning in to see Islam Makhachev make the first defense of his lightweight title against Alexander Volkanovski on February 11.
