Alexander Volkanovski reveals a mega-fight against Islam Makhachev is ‘close’ to being finalised

UFC star Alexander Volkanovski has hinted that a mega-fight against Islam Makhachev was on the cards, insisting both parties were ‘going to make it happen’.

The Australian is the reigning featherweight champion and could face Makhachev at UFC 284 in Perth on February 12, after the latter stripped Charles Oliveira of the lightweight title at UFC 280 last month. 

‘We’re obviously pushing for it,’ the Australian told ESPN. 

Alexander Volkanovski revealed a mega-fight with Islam Makhachev was on the cards

‘Everyone wants it. We’re going to make it happen.’

The 34-year-old is 25-1 in his MMA career, with the only defeat coming over nine years ago, and is ranked as ESPN’s No1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Makhachev, meanwhile, boasts a 23-1 record in his MMA career and is currently ranked as the No3 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

The Russian is renowned for being one of the best wrestlers and grapplers in the business, but Volkanovski relished the prospect of squaring up against the 31-year-old in the octagon. 

The Australian is the reigning UFC featherweight champion and has a 25-1 record in MMA

‘It’s going to be like a David and Goliath, because everyone thinks he’s the strongest man on the planet, best grappling anyone has ever seen,’ the Aussie said. 

‘The way they’re talking about him – it’s just going to look incredible when I get the job done.’

Should the fight be confirmed, a win over Makhachev in UFC 284 would see Volkanovski become only the second man in history to simultaneously hold the UFC featherweight and lightweight titles after Conor McGregor.

And the New South Welshman suggested a blockbuster showdown against the Irishman could also be in the offing in the near future. 

Makhachev boasts a 23-1 record in his MMA career and is currently ranked as the No3 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, according to ESPN’s rankings 

The Russian stripped Charles Oliveira of the lightweight title at UFC 280 last month (above)

And was then called out in the octagon by Volkanovski after the fight 

‘That [fighting McGregor] is next then, right?’ Volkanovski said. 

‘Let’s make that happen after that. […] There’s only been four champions in the featherweight division. The only one I haven’t fought is Conor McGregor.

‘I can beat that guy, too.’