Alexander Volkanovski would rather fight Charles Oliveira than Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, is coming off the biggest win of his career.
The Australian native’s last fight saw him register a dominant unanimous decision victory over Hawaiian Max Holloway, who he picked apart with his crisp striking.
Victory over the American saw Volkanovski make the fourth successful defence of his featherweight title.
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Next he will serve as the backup for the main event of UFC 280, which takes place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on October 22.
Oliveira and Makhachev will battle it out for the vacant lightweight belt, but Volkanovski knows which man he would rather fight right now at this moment in time.
“I’d say Charles would be the better opponent,” he said during an appearance on The MMA Hour per MMA Junkie. “People say stylistically yeah, but obviously there’s a lot of hype around Charles.
"Everyone considers him the champ, so then if I beat him then everyone’s going to consider me the champion.
“If I was to face Islam, I’m sure people would still say I’m champ, but I’m still going to have to beat Charles. You face Charles, it’s a bigger fight, because he’s got a lot of hype on him.”
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And while he respects Makhachev, Volkanovski would still prefer a matchup with the Brazilian.
“When I look at it as a competitor that wants to fight active, I think that’s Charles, as well, because I know Charles wants to fight very regularly,” he added. “He wants to be active, as well, which I respect that a lot.
"I’m not saying Islam won’t, but I know
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