Volkanovski believes he’s more than capable of taking on Makhachev

“That’s why I’m doing that type of stuff – that’s why you see me here and putting a lot on the line, committing to some big things a lot of people wouldn’t do just to put me in position where, again, no one can take an opportunity away from me,” Volkanovski said.

“That’s just how I’ve been, always will be, and now I get to reap the benefits. I want to get that champ-champ and put myself in position where everyone wants to see it now, and even the guy holding that belt wants to see it.

“It’s all falling into place exactly how I wanted. During the week, I’m like, ‘I’m ready to go in there if I have to. But perfect world, if everything goes how we want it to, I fight the winner in Australia.’ This is exactly what it is. It’s going to be huge, not only for Australian fans – they deserve a big fight. They deserve me on that fight (card), either defending the belt or going for that champ-champ. It’s going to be crazy.”

While Volkanovski is no stranger to the lightweight class, he has never competed against an opponent of Makhachev’s caliber. According to the newly crowned 155-pound champion, “short” Volkanovski will have a hard time adjusting to the top of his category, but that his strength and power will be an X-factor inside the cage.

But Volkanovski disagrees, arguing that his size should give him an edge in grappling against Makhachev.

“I’m very, very hard to not only take down, but hold down,” Volkanovski said.

“One thing I always say, especially these little short legs, they’re very easy to get back to my feet. That’s going to be one hard thing. Getting me down is going to be problem. If you do, I’m bouncing right back up and it’s going to be standup most of the way through. That’s how I see it. And you ain’t going to land on me like that. I don’t just stand in front of you. I come forward and I’m coming straight at you.

“Everyone thinks I’m short, and then I’m punching them in the face and their face changes real quick when I’m in front of him. It’s not an insult. I know I am. But I’m the champ. I’m doing good and I’m going to keep this winning streak going and I’m going to show him what short people can do when they know what they’re doing.”

The odds for a prospective fight between Volkanovski and Makhachev have been announced, and “The Great” is a significant underdog. But that’s precisely what Volkanovski wants, and he claims it will be a crowning achievement when he shocks the world and becomes one of the few fighters in UFC history to win titles in two weight classes.

“It’s definitely a challenge,” Volkanovski said.

“I’m not going to sit here and say it’s not a challenge. But is it a challenge I can overcome and get through? One hundred percent, I guarantee I can. I’m looking forward to doing that. I want to be the underdog, as well. I’m looking forward to people being like, ‘He’s not going to be able to handle the power. He’s going to get taken down. He’s not going to be able to get back up.’

“I can’t wait to – as the fight goes – just proving people wrong as each second goes by. I love being the underdog. If people want to doubt me again, that’s beautiful.”