The UFC’s featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is well aware that most people want to see him take on an immediate rematch with Max Holloway and it seems he’s more than happy to do just that.
“Obviously that’s what UFC wants, Dana White’s saying that’s what he wants, and I think I want it,” Volkanovski told TMZ Sports. “I want that fight, because there’s no clear No. 1 contenders, and I just think that he’s a great champion. For me, the biggest fight in my career right now to solidify myself as the best featherweight of all-time, and one of the greatest of all-time. I go and take out Max twice in [his] prime, people are gonna give me that respect I deserve.”
Volkanovski’s only stipulation appears to be that the fight take place in his native Australia, though he hope that it could happen as early as June seems a little ambitious given the current coronavirus pandemic.
“I want to fight on home soil in Perth,” Volkanovski said. “I don’t want to wait around until there’s a clear number one. I think Max does deserve it, he was a great champion. The UFC want it, Australian fans will want it, and I think everyone else will want that so I reckon we’ll make it happen.
“I don’t want to sit on the sidelines too long, and I want to defend my belt in Australia. That Perth card is June 6. We’re gonna make it happen, I reckon.”
Volknovski had a healthy respect for each other before and after their last fight and that looks set to continue, but Volkanovski has warned him that though he might grant him the rematch he wants, he doesn’t see a second bout between them going any differently than the last, which he convincingly won by unanimous decision.
“Nothing but respect [to Max]. You’re the man and you’re well-loved because of that. I feel I’m the same way. We’re both respectful. But, you really want this fight? I just done it five rounds and I guarantee you it ain’t gonna change. I’m either finishing it or I’m winning the exact same way. I know you’re durable, but I reckon I can put you away.”
