UFC champ Alexander Volkanovski has clear idea what he wants

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is decided to have his subsequent struggle be for the light-weight title.

Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) has his thoughts set on getting the chance to turn into a two-division champion, regardless of having two contenders in his weight class chomping on the bit to be his subsequent challenger.

High contenders Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett appear to be the clear candidates for the following shot at 145 kilos. Volkanovski is nicely conscious, and that’s why he wouldn’t thoughts seeing an interim title in place as he tries to seize extra gold in one other division.

“You’re most likely going to ask this complete interim belt,” Volkanovski stated Monday on “The MMA Hour.” “… Look, I don’t thoughts that concept whereas I’m sitting right here. As a result of once more, I feel it’s wanting like me (preventing) for that light-weight belt, and once more there’s no clear (man) for that No. 1 contender. Allow them to struggle for that No. 1 contender.

“I feel each Josh Emmett and Yair Rodriguez are each ready the place they might get a shot. … They’ll go do this, I do my factor, and some months after that get me again in there. I’ll do it. Within the good world for me, light-weight title early subsequent 12 months after which in the event that they do that interim factor, it will simply make it a much bigger struggle. I don’t thoughts. Then you definately acquired a transparent No. 1 man.”

Volkanovski is coming off his fourth consecutive title defense after defeating Max Holloway in a trilogy bout at UFC 276 on July 2. He suffered a damaged hand in that bout and is currently recovering from surgery.

The 33-year-old finds the timing of his restoration good as Charles Oliveira is about to struggle Islam Makhachev for the vacant light-weight title on Oct. 22 at UFC 280.

“They’re coming to Australia within the early quarter, the primary quarter of the 12 months (2023),” Volkanovski stated. “I have to struggle in Australia. I feel I deserve that. Attempting to squeeze one thing earlier than that, that’s me speeding issues. Clearly, everybody in Australia deserves (it). It’s what I need, and the UFC could be very comfortable to have me headline a card there, as nicely. That’s most likely what’s going to occur. And struggle for the light-weight title in that (first) quarter of the 12 months.”