Volkanovski vows 2023 will be 'defining year', starting with UFC 284

Alexander Volkanovski vows 2023 will be ‘defining year’, with Australian star chasing greatness and double champ status in UFC 284 clash with Islam Makhachev as he claims he will be ‘stronger than ever’

  • Alexander Volkanovski’s domination at featherweight has led to huge fight
  • He will attempt to become a two-weight champion against Islam Makhachev
  • Fearsome Russian became lightweight champion by beating Charles Oliveira
  • Volkanovski says 2023 will be a defining year for him and his career  

Alexander Volkanovski is relishing his showdown with Islam Makhachev ahead of what he calls the ‘defining year’ for his career. 

The Aussie UFC star, who has earned the chance to become a two-weight champion by dominating at featherweight, is set to face the Russian at UFC 284 in Perth next February. 

Volkanovski will give up plenty of size to the Dagestani wrestler but is chasing greatness and a continued place as the sport’s pound-for-pound No 1.  

Alexander Volkanovski is ready to make history in his ‘defining’ year of 2023

He takes on formidable lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (left) at UFC 284 

‘Islam’s strong,’ Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. ‘Islam’s going to be ready. But I guarantee you, mark my words, I’m going to be ready. I’m going to be more than ready. 

‘I’m going to be fit, I’m going to be stronger than ever. I’m already filling up. I’m already holding more muscle than I originally did in my last few fights. I’m already stronger, significantly stronger.’

Volkanovski has swept everyone aside at 145-pounds, winning emphatically over Max Holloway in their trilogy bout before swatting aside Chan Sung Jung earlier this year. 

He is stepping up against a man many favour, including the bookmakers. 

 Makhachev is likely to be the pound-for-pound No 1 if he beats Volkanovski in Perth

Makhachev made light work of Charles Oliveira who has been on scintillating form before their showdown. 

But Volkanovski knows that the chance to ink his name into the history books is motivation enough. 

He went on: ‘When I’m telling you 2023 is gonna be the biggest year of my whole career, my legacy – this is the defining yea. 

‘2023, it starts off with taking out Islam. Big opportunity to not only be great, but to be one of the greatest. So, that’s what I’m coming for.’




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