Volkanovski-Makhachev to fight for lightweight title at UFC 284

Two champions will square off in the Octagon when featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on Islam Makhachev for his lightweight title at UFC 284 on Feb. 11, the promotion announced Saturday.

Both belt holders will square off at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

The title fight will mark Volkanovski's return to lightweight competition since his debut with the promotion in 2016.

"We're obviously pushing for it," Volkanovski told ESPN's Marc Raimondi prior to the fight announcement. "Everyone wants it. We're gonna make it happen."

Volkanovski engaged in a face-off with Makhachev after he was called into the Octagon following the Russian's title win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. The Australian served as the backup for the lightweight title fight. Both titleholders have bickered back and forth on social media.

Volkanovski has increased his calorie intake as he prepares to move up in weight, according to Raimondi. The promotion's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter has cleared out the 145-pound division following decisive victories over the likes of Brian Ortega, Chan Sung Jung, and Max Holloway.

The 5-foot-6 Volkanovski is comfortable with entering the proposed bout in his home country as an underdog given Makhachev's proficiency as a wrestler and grappler. "The Great" has focused his training on improving his takedown defense and ground game in preparation for a showdown with the Russian fighter, who's won 11 straight bouts.

"It's gonna be like a David and Goliath because everyone thinks he's the strongest man on the planet, best grappling anyone has ever seen," said Volkanovski.

"It's just gonna look incredible when I get the job done," he added.

A win over Makhachev would make Volkanovski just the second fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold the featherweight and lightweight belts. Conor McGregor was the first.

Volkanovski is also keen on a matchup with McGregor in the future. "I can beat that guy, too," he said.