“We’ll see if he's well rounded, because I’m getting back to my feet”- Alexander Volkanovski wants to test Islam Makhachev's standup in their highly anticipated fight

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is looking to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. The No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter recently shared his thoughts on the potential matchup.

Champ vs Champ next!? #UFC280 https://t.co/v9wqHGKZxH

Speaking to the media ahead of UFC 281, Volkanovski stated:

"I'm preparing for him to take me down. That's how I mentally prepare. I always do that, but there's so many layers before it even gets there. It's going to be hard to even get me down, and get me exactly where he wants me. Flat on my back, it's very, very hard to do. I'm very good at scrambling, and again, these short legs are very hard to hold down."

Volkanovski noted that his wrestling is already good, but he will have the equivalent of two fight camps to work on it further, before adding:

"People want to say he's well rounded, and things like that. We'll see if he's well rounded, because I'm getting back to my feet. Let's see if his stand up is up to what supposedly people are trying to say. Well rounded? We'll see, because it's going to be a stand up because I know I'm getting back to my feet."

Volkanovski is attempting to chase greatness by becoming just the fifth UFC fighter to earn double champ status. If he faces Makhachev, keeping the lightweight champion on his feet will be important for Volkanovski to emerge victorious.

Watch Alexander Volkanovski's full comments on Islam Makhachev below (starting at the 4:40 mark):

Henry Cejudo questions the UFC's faith in Alexander Volkanovski

Although Alexander Volkanovski seemed destined to be Islam Makhachev's first lightweight title defense, the UFC has yet to announce the fight. Former double champ Henry Cejudo recently suggested that the promotion may not have faith in the featherweight champion.

The second I receive the paper, I will sign it, don’t worry ✏️ enjoy your P4P first spot for now 😉 twitter.com/alexvolkanovsk…

Speaking on his YouTube segment, GOAT Talk, Cejudo stated:

"It seems like nobody's talking about Volkanovski and Islam no more. I'm not sure if the UFC has faith in a guy like Volkanovski, in order for him to go out there and actually beat a guy like Islam. I'm not sure if the UFC or [UFC President] Dana White and everybody else - I'm not sure if they believe in their pound-for-pound king."

Leading up to UFC 281, there have been reports that the fight between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler could have title fight implications. It remains to be seen, however, if that is truly the case or simply just a way for the promotion to increase interest around the card.

Watch Henry Cejudo's comments on the UFC's lack of faith in Alexander Volkanovski below (starting at the 1:35 mark):