Alex Volkanovski has called for a rematch with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, provided Volkanovski can defend his title against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 this weekend.
On the MMA Hour, the featherweight champ said that if he can defend his title against Rodriguez, a bout against Makhachev in Abu Dhabi in October could be in his future.
โLetโs be real, everyone wants that rematch. I want it, whether Islam wants it, I know the UFC want it. Got to see exactly whatโs going to happen but thatโs definitely something I want to do. I want to be active. Bring it on.โ Volkanovski said.
Despite looking towards future match ups, the Windang local says he is not underestimating his upcoming opponent.
โIt doesnโt get much more dangerous than Yair so heโs got my full attentionโฆthis isnโt just another fight.โ
โCan I go out there and make this look easy? Yes, I can. I can go out there and make it look easy. Does that mean heโs not dangerous? No, heโs very dangerous, but Iโm very well prepared and Iโm ready to go out there and show everyone why Iโm the man.โ
A possible future match up with rising featherweight Ilia Tapuria was also discussed, although the champ did admit he is unsure of the Spanish fighterโs ability at the higher levels of the division.
โFresh blood would be incredibleโฆwithout disrespecting the bloke, I donโt want him to face anyone else, especially Yair. Letโs say I take out Yair this weekend, he faces Yair, I donโt want that to happen. I look at Yair as a much bigger threat and a way more dangerous fight to be quite honest.โ Said Volkanovski.
โI know heโd talk a little bit of trash so that would make it fun, and I know Iโd give him a good whoopingโฆIโve got Yair to worry about but after that what is it? Is it gonna be Islam? Is it going to be Ilia? I want to be active.โ
Speaking about a possible match up for October 10th at UFC 293 in Sydney, Volkanovski admitted heโs unsure if his timeline would allow for him to fight in his home state.
โOf course Iโd love to be on that card. Thereโs a few obstacles there. Obviously making sure you donโt have any injuries, making sure youโve got the opponent for it. My missus is pregnant, sheโs due on the 8th which is two days before. Weโve been looking into itโฆthereโs a few hurdles there but you never know.โ
Volkanovski is set to take on interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez in the main event of UFC 290 this Sunday (AEST) broadcasting live from Las Vegas.