Volkanovski eyes LW belt after UFC 276: 'I want that double-champ status'

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski wants to fight for the vacant lightweight title if he beats Max Holloway at UFC 276.

"I really want three fights this year, but it has to be the right one," Volkanovski said, according to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. "After this one, I want that double-champ status. My division is in a spot where we can see what happens while I go after that double-champ lightweight title fight."

Volkanovski will be looking for his fourth title defense in a trilogy fight against Holloway on Saturday. He's 11-0 since joining the UFC in 2016.

The 33-year-old earned the featherweight belt after beating Holloway in December 2019 and then defended his title in a narrow rematch in July 2020. The Australian has since defeated Brian Ortega in 2021 before taking down Chan Sung Jung last April in his only fight this year.

"Max is a great fighter, and he is the No. 1 contender for a reason," Volkanovski added. "I have a lot of respect for him. If I can beat him again, it puts me on a whole new level.

"I want to make a statement. I want to separate myself from the entire division. I have to beat Max again to prove that I'm on another level."

Charles Oliveira lost the lightweight title after missing weight ahead of UFC 274 in May. He's expected to compete for the title in his next bout, though it's unclear against whom.

Oliveira, who defeated Justin Gaethje in May in what was supposed to be his second lightweight title defense, recently said he wants to fight Conor McGregor next.