“You have got guys like Khabib” – Alex Volkanovski has his eyes on the Lightweight division next year

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4 years ago

Alexander Volkanovski yells after five rounds against UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway in their title fight during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Volkanovski took the title by unanimous decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Alex Volkanovski praised Khabib Nurmagomedov while he talked about his lightweight chances next year

UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski is, in simple terms, a beast. The Australian MMA fighter is yet to lose in UFC.

He has won 9 in a row in the promotion including back-to-back wins against Max Holloway for the title. He really looks unstoppable with that strength of his at 145 lbs.

And he was on Submission Radio earlier this week, where he discussed his chances of taking the step up to lightweight next year.

‘Volk’ backs himself to do well at 155 if he does take the step up because of his strength that would normally be associated with the middleweight and welterweight divisions.

“I’m very confident in myself and I know I’ve got the skills to really do well in the lightweight division, even against the best. So, time will tell. But that is definitely a goal in mind but right now, I’m just going to improve myself.”

Alex Volkanowski stops in his tracks to acknowledge Khabib Nurmagomedov

But before he backed himself to do well at 155, Alexander ‘The Great’ made sure to recognize the greatness of Khabib Nurmagomedov and his grappling.

After all, ‘The Eagle’ was 29-0-0 in his professional MMA career and never once looked like losing a fight inside the octagon. Anyone, and not just Volkanovski, would struggle against The Russian.

“I don’t think being overpowered and someone being able to throw me around in lightweight would. Obviously, you’ve got guys like Khabib who is just next level when it comes to grappling, but I’m one to hold down. That’s something that interests me but again, I got the featherweight division to worry about.”

Lightweight is by far the most stacked division in the promotion when it comes to talent and star-power.

With guys like Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Charles Oliveira, 155 won’t be a stroll in the park for Volkanovski.

Alex Volkanovski praised Khabib Nurmagomedov before talking about his chances in the UFC lightweight division. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

But neither would it be for them. Volk has proven time and again of how strong he is and his fighting IQ will surely make 155 look like his home.