Alexander Volkanovski targets Conor McGregor superfight as Irish MMA icon eyes UFC comeback

Alexander Volkanovski admits he needs to fight Conor McGregor to cement his legacy as a great fighter.

The Australian puts his featherweight title on the line against Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273 at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Center in Jacksonville this weekend after his original opponent Max Holloway suffered an injury in training and was forced to pull out of the fight.

Holloway will likely be next in line for a title shot, which he earned by defeating Mexican brawler Yair Rodriguez in November, but Volkanovski has his eyes on a super fight.

The Aussie has exchanged words with the Irish MMA superstar in the past and is targeting a mega fight against the Notorious after his clash with the Korean Zombie on Saturday night.

Volkanovski, 33, is coming off 2021’s fight of the year against Brian Ortega back in September.

And Volkanovski admits a money-spinning showdown with McGregor is on his radar as he looks to add to his impressive CV with big names before he calls time on his career.

Volkanovski told the Daily Telegraph: “So I beat McGregor and I’ve taken them all.

“I’ve never really talked about legacy. Never thought too much about it. But now I’m changing my whole view on this.

“I want my name written into the history books. I want people to remember me. That’s really driving me now.”

McGregor has been practising his boxing in preparation for his next comeback as videos emerged of him hitting the pads in the gym.

The Notorious could even face Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title next while a trilogy bout with Nate Diaz is also on the cards.

For now, though, he just wants to make sure he is back to full fighting fitness before he makes his return to action later this year.

Speaking to Severe MMA, he said: