Alexander Volkanovski 'stronger than ever' ahead of Islam Makhachev fight, vows 2023 will be defining year

Alexander Volkanovski has already put on some size for his lightweight title fight.

Featherweight champion Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) will move up a weight class to challenge lightweight champ Islam Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) in the main event of UFC 284 on Feb. 11 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Volkanovski packed on some weight in his early days as a mixed martial artist, where he competed all the way up at 170 pounds. But the 33-year-old former rugby player found his success at featherweight and is now bulking up to deal with Makhachev’s grappling prowess.

“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 had quite the 2022, where he stopped Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273, followed by a shutout of Max Holloway at UFC 276 to leave no doubt in their trilogy.

Now that Volkanovski is chasing after a second title, beating the unstoppable Makhachev will significantly add onto his legacy as an all-time great.

“When I’m telling you 2023 is gonna be the biggest year of my whole career, my legacy – this is the defining year,” Volkanovski said. “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.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 284.