Despite Islam Makhachev War, Alexander Volkanovski Feels Conor McGregor Fight Is Required to Cement His Legacy

Conor McGregor commands such a persona in the octagon that no fighter would decline the opportunity to face him. The sheer idea of sharing the card with McGregor can work wonders for many fighters, propelling them into the spotlight and bestowing them with fame that transcends the confines of the octagon. Not to mention, the financial benefits that come hand in hand with such an opportunity can grace their bank accounts in a remarkable way.

Having said that, the reigning featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has recently expressed his interest in stepping into the ring with the former double-division champion. The Australian recently lost his perfect record in the UFC against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. But he is looking past that setback already.

While many fighters envision the potential financial windfall and the boost to their careers that come with a Conor McGregor matchup, Volkanovski is looking beyond that to something more meaningful.

Alexander Volkanovski wants Conor McGregor for more than just money

During his appearance of The MMA Fan Podcast, Alexander Volkanovski answered the question of looking back in the UFC archives and picking a name he’d have wanted to fight. Without hesitation, the former pound-for-pound king, Conor McGregor.

Explaining the reason behind it, the Australian said, “The only champ I haven’t fought in the featherweight division is Conor McGregor. And Conor McGregor in his prime in featherweight division, would obviously be the all-time[blockbuster], you know. I’m sure everyone would want to see that right now.”

He further added that while the money that would come along on fighting McGregor would be great. But this fight would’ve added more glory to his legacy. “Everyone’s going to talk about the money, and[say], ‘that’s why you only want that fight’. Yeah, of course there’s money in it… But you talk about legacy, you know. Then I would have beaten every featherweight champion, and I plan on having the most defenses as well.”

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McGregor going back to featherweight is almost an impossible scenario. However, Volkanovski may get a chance to fight ‘The Notorious’ but he has predicted the outcome of the latter’s next fight against Michael Chandler.

Volkanovski sees a clear winner in McGregor vs. Chandler

Conor McGregor is touted to make a comeback later this year and face his rival TUF 31 coach, Michael Chandler, in a pay-per-view event. Reflecting on this fight, Alexander Volkanovski believes that ‘The Notorious’ will be the one to walk out victorious.

Offering more detail to his response, the 34-year-old said, “He[Michael Chandler] probably could try and wrestle. Maybe if he gets really hurt, he’d probably start shooting. But, he’s gonna wanna live up to that hype of that fight. And being on a Conor McGregor card.”

He later addressed McGregor’s last few losses and his recent shenanigans with drinking and partying. However, Volkanovski still believes that despite all that, the Irishman is still a lethal fighter. He said, “I still feel Conor does have a pretty incredible chin. And his timing is still- if maybe not as good as it once was, but his striking, his accuracy and his timing is still pretty good. So if someone’s gonna just play the firefight with him, I feel like he does catch him.”

Do you agree with Alexander Volkanovski on this? Let us know your take in the comments below.

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