Alexander Volkanovski plays down threat of Max Holloway in third fight

Alexander Volkanovski sees ‘great opportunities’ at lightweight and believes moving up a division will be easier than many think.

The featherweight champion is due to take on Max Holloway for a third time this summer and if he wins, there are plans for a title tilt at 155-pounds. 

He told the MMA Hour: ‘I’m moving up soon, I’m going to go out here and do what I plan on doing in f*****g several weeks. 

Volkanovski (L) and Max Holloway (R) are set to meet for a third time at UFC 276

‘Everyone is going to be wanting that, it’s going to put me in a lot better position. 

‘Whether I need to wait for someone or whatever it is because I still need this division to sort itself out. 

‘I will be looking at that division if I don’t have s**t happening in my division, I’m going to have my eyes open.’

Volkanovski stands at 5ft 5in tall but believes his transition to lightweight against bigger foes will not offer the level of difficulty some believe.

He added: ‘I’m looking at them, and I see great opportunities in that fight… I don’t look at this as that big of a challenge.

The Australian champion has  beaten his Hawaiian rival twice, though the second was split

‘I want to go for that double champ status. Believe me, it isn’t going to be as hard as some people think it’s going to be to do.’

The Australian recently demolished Chan Sung Jung for another title defence at 145-pounds after the Korean Zombie stepped in to replace the injured Holloway. 

‘Blessed’ and Volkanovski are set to clash at UFC 276 in July and it will be the Hawaiian’s third attempt at beating his rival. 

Their second fight was a split decision in the champion’s favour and some fans believe Holloway was hard done by so there will be plenty of anticipation surrounding their third battle.  

It will be simple to move up a division and face the likes of Charles Oliveira, says the Australian