Originally packing for a holiday in Abu Dhabi, Alex Volkanovski is making room in his luggage for another UFC title belt, insisting he is ready to take down Islam Makhachev on limited preparation.
Volkanovski was preparing to fly in as a guest to watch UFC 294, but instead will be part of the main attraction, replacing challenger Charles Oliveira, who was set to face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev this Sunday.
Despite only 11 days' notice and on the comeback after elbow surgery following his July win over Yair Rodrigues, Volkanovski said he jumped at the chance for a rematch against Makhachev.
The Russian won their showdown for the lightweight belt by unanimous decision in Perth in February.
Already the featherweight champion, a victory will see." he Wollongong ace become just the fourth man to simultaneously hold two different UFC belts, joining Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier and Henry Cejudo.
Volkanovoski said he didn't need to be talked into the fight.
"I was going to come to Abu Dhabi just as a guest, and then they go ‘You wouldn’t believe it’ and mentioned Charles, there was something up," the 35-year-old told The MMA Hour.
"I just sort of laughed and went ‘All right, let’s do it’… off we went to camp, pretty much.
"I didn’t need to be convinced. I pretty much said yes straight away and said I was on board."
Volkanovoski said he had been back sparring and wrestling for about five weeks following surgery and felt he would be ready, despite his original plan to return to the Octagon in January against Ilia Topuria in Toronto.
He said the quick preparation rather than a 12-week build-up had left him "fresh and excited".
"I’m very happy with the short amount of time,'' the Australian said.
"We all did such a great job getting me in shape, and everything is fresh in my mind.
"I’ve always said that if these things do happen, I’m the guy that can take these opportunities.
"I’ve still been doing enough and I’m very comfortable with where I am."
Makhachev has not fought since the February victory and has a 24-1 record, with four knockouts.
Volkanovski holds a 26-2 record, with 13 knockouts.
UFC middleweight star Robert Whittaker believes the rapid-fire preparation could work in his fellow Australian's favour.
Volkanovski unleashed with a final-round barrage in Perth, prompting many, including Whittaker, to believe he had done enough to claim the belt.
“Last-minute, late notice, nothing to lose, everything to gain - I think that sort of head space gets him (Volkanovski) in there almost better than the first time they fought because it frees him up," Whittaker told MMA Junkie.
“I can see that being a bit of a problem for Makhachev."
