According to Marc Raimondi of ESPN, Alexander Volkanovski stated his team is “near” to scheduling a fight with Islam Makhachev UFC 284. The UFC champions would square off at UFC 284 on February 12 in Perth, Australia. Obviously, we’re pushing for it,” Volkanovski added. “Everyone desires it. We’re going to get it done. Volkanovski has risen to the top of the new UFC pound-for-pound rankings after successfully defending his featherweight belt against Max Holloway for the third time.
Islam vs Volkanovski at UFC 284
The Australian has a professional record of 25-1 and is unbeaten since entering the UFC in 2016. Moving up in weight class will be his next test, as he attempts to join Conor McGregor as the only person to hold both the lightweight and featherweight crowns at the same time. Makhachev is ranked third in the world pound-for-pound rankings, behind only Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya, but his size and experience might make him a difficult opponent in a prospective match.
Also Read: Alexander Volkanovski accepts Islam Makhachev challenge for a lightweight title fight in Australia
The 31-year-old won the UFC lightweight belt by submission over Charles Oliveira in October. He has a record of 23-1 in MMA, with his only defeat coming in 2015. Volkanovski feels the bout will allow him to better establish himself. It’ll be like a David and Goliath match, since everyone believes he’s the strongest guy in the world, with the finest grappling anybody has ever seen,” Volkanovski said. “The way they’re talking about him—going it’s to look amazing when I do the project.
Read Also: UFC 280: Islam Makhachev claims lightweight belt with a submission win over Charles Oliveira