Alexander Volkanovski Says He’s ‘Locked In’ As Backup Fighter for UFC 280 Headliner

It’s Official, I’m the back up fighter for the Light Weight title!
See you all in Abu Dhabi #UFC280https://t.co/KkRCv1N04Y

— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 10, 2022

If something goes wrong for either Charles Oliveira or Islam Makhachev prior to UFC 280, Alexander Volkanovski will be waiting in the wings.

The reigning featherweight champion announced on his YouTube channel Monday that he will serve as the backup fighter for the lightweight championship bout at the top of the UFC 280 card on Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi.

“We’re locked in as the backup fighter,” Volkanovski said. “I’ve been calling for it, I said I wanted it. Just had to make sure the hand was all good. We are good. We’ve got the clearance to fight. The UFC’s on board, everyone’s on board. So I’ll be at UFC 280 to make weight.

“Let’s see what happens, if someone doesn’t make it, I’m there to save the day. If not, I guess I’m locked in as the next guy to fight for the lightweight title and that’s that.”

Volkanovski underwent surgery for a broken thumb shortly after his victory over Max Holloway in their trilogy bout at UFC 276 this past July. The City Kickboxing standout was initially expected to be sidelined approximately 12 weeks following the procedure, but it appears his timeline has moved up. Volkanovski expressed a desire to move up a division in hopes of becoming a two-division champion if he defeated Holloway for a third time, and UFC president Dana White said he was willing to entertain that request if the Aussie was victorious.

The 34-year-old Volkanovski is in the midst of a 22-fight winning streak four successful title defenses and 12 consecutive triumphs in UFC competition. He’s bested the likes of Holloway, Chan Sung Jung, Brian Ortega, Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes at 145 pounds.