"We off to Abu Dhabi, let's go!" - Alexander Volkanovski shares training footage as he prepares to fill in at UFC 280
With UFC 280 just one week away, Alexander Volkanovski has shared footage of him training for two opponents as he prepares to fill in for either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira in the main event on October 22.
The Australian has been promised a lightweight title fight if either competitor is forced out of the matchup next weekend. Despite holding featherweight gold and being an active defending champion, the 145er is keen on attempting to earn 'champ-champ' status and may have a chance to do that in his next outing.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Alexander Volkanovski showcased and detailed the intense training he has been put through in hopes that he will be able to compete at UFC 280.
"We're lucky enough to have Craig Jones in the building, putting me in sh***y positions, fighting submissions... Nice big strong wrestling here as well, obviously we want guys that are gonna give us [a] good feel, [a] good look for Charles and Islam. I had a lot of traveling yesterday, so I was feeling like it was gonna be a rough day, but I told myself we'll get through it... Don't worry about it, let's just get through it, it'll be a bit of a mental and physical push, that's what we want anyway... See if we're gonna be needed for UFC 280 main event, we off to Abu Dhabi, let's go!"
Charles Oliveira is attempting to reclaim his lightweight title, but comes up against arguably his toughest test in the octagon to date when he stands across the octagon from Islam Makhachev at UFC 280.
Check out Alexander Volkanovski training for two possible opponents:
If he doesn't get a lightweight title shot, what is next for Alexander Volkanovski?
Last time out, Alexander Volkanovski silenced a lot of doubters by putting on an all-time performance against Max Holloway. Volkanowski beat him from bell-to-bell and walked away with the featherweight crown.
If he isn't gifted with a shot at 155lb gold, 'The Great' will likely return to his weight-class and put his title on the line against one of the many rising talents at 145lbs.
There are multiple stand-out fighters in his division. The two currently angling for a shot at his belt are Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett. Another potential opponent for the 34-year-old is the winner of the October 29 collision between Calvin Kattar and Arnold Allen.