Alexander Volkanovski claims he has become twice as strong in lead up to challenging Islam Makhachev's lightweight throne
Alexander Volkanovski is very confident that he has built himself enough to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship.
Islam Makhachev won the title after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Soon after the fight, the Dagestani called out 'the small guy' as his first title challenger. Soon after, the promotion confirmed the matchup and announced it as the headliner event for UFC 284.
Appearing in a recent video uploaded to Israel Adesanya's YouTube channel, Alexander Volkanovski spoke about his preparedness for the upcoming fight:
"Everyone says that and I mean underdog and all that but I do, you know, that's them, challenges and being the being the underdog and proving the doubt. And all that type of stuff, you know. I won't let it really get to me but I let it get to me enough where I'd be like, all right I' gonna train that a little bit hard. I'm going to shut these guys up and I'm going to go out there and do it and it makes me want them fights."
He further continued, saying:
"With the fact that you are moving up and doing the bulking and all, you know, telling myself right? We need to get stronger. We need to work on that takedown events, we need to do it all of a sudden. I'm twice as strong as I was, you know what I mean, my defense is just on point, I'm like a like an absolute brick wall."
Check out Volkanovski's interview in the video below [1:42 mark]:
Alexander Volkanovski is not affected by his opponents calling him 'short height'
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Volkanovski addressed his opponents, calling him out for his height. However, 'The Great' remained unfazed and said:
"Everyone thinks I'm short. Then I punch them in the face and then next minute their face changes real quick when I'm in front. Whatever, yeah I'm short, I know I am. I'm the champ. I'm doing good and I'm gonna keep this winning streak going, and I'm gonna show him what short people could do."
Check out Alexander Volkanovski's video below:
Alexander Volkanovski will have the home crowd advantage when he takes on Russian fighter Islam Makhachev at UFC Perth. It will be an intriguing match-up, as Makhachev has to contend with a potentially hostile atmosphere in the arena.