Alexander Volkanovski wants his shot at the lightweight title.
On Saturday, the UFC announced that former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will face Islam Makhachev for the vacant belt at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Once a lightweight champion has been crowned, the featherweight champ and best pound-for pound fighter will be able to compete for the vacant belt.
Volkanovski took to Twitter after the announcement to call for his shot.
I got the winner!! https://t.co/114JsN9BPO
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) July 16, 2022
Volkanovski recently defeated Max Holloway for the third time, retaining his belt with a unanimous decision win at UFC 276. After his win, Volkanovski restated his desire to pursue a second title, saying he believes he can defend both belts. UFC president Dana White seemed to be open to allowing Volkanovski to letting him try.
Considering that Volkanovski has a fractured thumb which required surgery in March, it could take Volkanovski several months to recover. However, White is open to the idea of White putting forward a possible interim title fight between Yair Rod and Josh Emmett after UFC Long Island’s main show.
