Volkanovski shows respect for Korean Zombie, but intends to show he is 'on a different level' at UFC 273

A. Volkanovski is the UFC featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram UFC

On the eve of yet another defense of the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg), Alexander Volkanovsky intends to make clear UFC 273 that he is above any other athlete in the category. In an interview with the website 'B.J. Penn', the Australian champion showed respect for the challenger Korean zombie, but emphasized that it is on a 'different level' to the rest of the division.

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“He’s tough and that’s why they call him Zombie. There are too many holes for me to capitalize on. I've already proven in my last fights where I am and I'm at another level again. I think this duel is going to be exciting but I'm hoping to go out there, really put my hands on it and do my job. I can finish him anywhere, I can submit him, use ground and pound, take him down. That's what I want to do, I want to show my level by surpassing the guys and show that there is a big gap”, said Volkanovski.

The Australian revealed his desire to remain more active in the organization and become number one in the weight-for-pound rankings in Ultimate.

“I want to accomplish all these goals: to be the number 1 pound-for-pound, best featherweight fighter in history and to do that, you need (belt) defenses. I haven't been as active as I want to be, but this year I intend to be and I want to beat all these guys who are next in line”, concluded Alex.

Featherweight champion since December 2019, Volkanovski will be defending his third consecutive title. Since dethroning Max Holloway, the Australian beat the former belt owner in the rematch and won Brian ortega, by points, in September 2021. Alex has a record of 23 triumphs and only one setback in professional MMA.