‘I Fought in Middleweight Plenty of Times’- Alexander Volkanovski Puts the UFC Lightweight Division on Notice

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is currently set to coach The Ultimate Fighter alongside his next opponent, Brian Ortega. ‘The Great’ is looking to remain at the helm of the featherweight division in near future. However, he is interested to test his mettle in the lightweight division of the UFC.

The 155lbs division is one of the most stacked ones in the entire UFC roster. But Volkanovski, a 200lbs Rugby player in the past, is confident about his chances as he believes he fights not only lightweights but welterweights and middleweights daily.

Speaking to Helen Yee recently, the Aussie fighter said, “the lightweight division is something that I fought at many times anyway, I fought in middleweight, lightweight, welterweight plenty of times. So it’s something that I am used to, some that I’ve done plenty times before.

“Will it happen? I think so. But I’ve got a couple of fights that I want to get out of the way in the featherweight division. The, you know, the featherweight division is definitely where I’ll be this year. We’ll see what happens next year,” he added.

But Volkanovski recognizes the shark tank that is his current division. The 145lbs division has some killers coming up the ladders to challenge the champion and take his belt away. Furthermore, there is a certain Max Holloway waiting on the wings with vengeance. Many believed the former champion defeated Volkanovski at UFC 251. So, ‘Blessed‘ will look to establish himself as the kingpin again when the duo fights.

Can Alexander Volkanovski make a mark at the 155lbs division?

The Aussie won’t be the first featherweight champion looking to move up a division. ‘The Notorious‘ Conor McGregor is the most famous fighter to date to make a leap. He successfully captured lightweight gold, too. But his record is 1-2 in the 155lbs division, given he has fought only the elites. Holloway also made a move up but lost a decision to Dustin Poirier.

The cream of the crop of the lightweight division is something not to ignore. It has been proven time and again. But the likes of Poirier, Oliveira, and more have been greatly successful after moving up from featherweight. However, McGregor remains the only former featherweight to move up and become champion. Given the Irish fighter’s merit in his prime, Volkanovski will have a lot to do.

Can Volkanovski become a champion at the 155lbs division of the UFC? Share your thoughts.

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