The stacked UFC 290 PPV is just around the corner and tensions are rising. Ever since featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski labeled rival Yair Rodriguez as a ‘dangerous’ opponent, a flurry of debates ensued. UFC icons like Chael Sonnen and Middleweight champ Israel Adesanya are some of the big names that have chimed in on the debates around the fight.

Now, in a recent turn of events, ‘Volk’ has come out with some bold claims about the fight. Dismissing Yair as his “hardest fight,” ‘The Great’ has taken some indirect shots at the interim featherweight champ. What’s more – Volk believes that he has what it takes to outclass Yair, provided he sticks to his “game plan.”

Alexander Volkanovski reaffirms the ‘dangerous’ threat of Yair Rodriguez

In a recent interview, ‘Volk’ sat down with BT Sport’s Adam Catterall, ahead of his featherweight title showdown with Yair Rodriguez. Taking this as an opportunity to shun critics, the #2 UFC pound-for-pound shared his stance on how he thinks the fight might unfold. 

‘The Great’ backed his words, stating, “I look at him[Yair] as most dangerous – especially in the featherweight division.”

Furthermore, backing his logic behind the claim, Volk asserted that though he’s not a “cocky” fighter, he’s proved his mettle with his accolades and rankings. In terms of UFC rankings, Volk is the #2 P4P fighter in the UFC, aced by Heavyweight Jon Jones.

What’s more – he doesn’t think that “any of these guys[referring to the Featherweight class] being able to actually beat” him. But getting back to his argument, he reveals which fighter has the best chance of catching him lacking – “I think Yair – he’s got the most tools – most dangerous.”

A bold declaration: ‘Volk’ claims he’ll break down the Interim Champ

However, Volk was not quite happy with Yair being labeled as his “hardest fight.” Furthering his argument, The Great gave his POV, “I’m putting him on this – you know, ‘Oh yeah, this guy’s most dangerous.’ Can I take away all his tools? Can I systematically break him down? – that excites me.” 

READ MORE: “Let Him Do It While It Lasts”: Alexander Volkanovski Gives His Two Cents on Yair Rodriguez’s Custom “Mexican” Interim Championship Belt

Oozing with confidence, Volk added fuel to the fire by claiming that he’s looking forward to squaring off against Yair and “making it look easy.” Volk believes that with the “right game plan,” it will be very difficult for Yair to keep up with him. The featherweight champ boldly declared, “Don’t be surprised if I make it look easy…” 

Coming from his last defeat at the hands of Islam Makhachev, a win for Volk will definitely boost his morale ahead of a potential rematch with Islam in October. What do you think of ‘The Great’s remarks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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