ABU DHABI – Alexander Volkanovski isn’t sure if Charles Oliveira’s plan is feasible, but he’s up for it.
Oliveira (33-8 MMA, 21-8 UFC), who meets Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title in Saturday’s UFC 280 main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, plans on beating Makhachev then facing Volkanovski – twice.
If victorious against Makhachev (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC), Oliveira wants to defend his lightweight title against Volkanovski at UFC 283 on Jan. 21 in Brazil, then move back down to featherweight to challenge Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) for his title one month later at UFC 284 in Australia.
“Mate, let’s do it,” Volkanovski told MMA Junkie. “If anyone could do it, it’s me. If he can get that done, let’s do it. Obviously I don’t know if it makes too much sense, but I’m down. I’m down for whatever.”
He continued, “I don’t know if that can even happen, but if they’re happy to do it, I’m happy to do it. It’s as simple as that.”
Volkanovski will serve as a backup for the Oliveira vs Makhachev title fight. If he doesn’t end up stepping in on Saturday, he expects to be next in line regardless, and has been given added assurance after hearing Makhachev say that he’d also be willing to fight him in Australia.
“Seems like my next fight will definitely be the lightweight title,” Volkanovski said. “So that’s why I put myself in that position so let’s see what happens.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 280.