Alexander Volkanovski has shrugged off Islam Makhachev’s claim that he is a “joker” who doesn’t have the power to take the UFC lightweight title saying: “If you’re relying on me crumbling, it’s going to be a long night”.

On the eve of Sunday’s hyped UFC 284 blockbuster in Perth, Volkanovski says he is ready to upset the Dagestani superstar who comes into the event as a $1.24 Betr favourite.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, Makhachev suggested the odds for their title fight proved Volkanovski, who is far wider at around $4, had already lost his UFC pound-for-pound crown in the minds of many fans.

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“Already people know,” Makhachev shrugged.

“I have to respect Alex because he smash his division. But I want to be (official) No.1 now — this is huge motivation for me.”

Elsewhere, Makhachev also said that Volkanovski, despite completely dominating as UFC featherweight champ, did not have the power to match his hyped ground game, stressing: “When I take him down he’s going to understand that power … it’s going to be too much for him.”

To which Australia’s No.1 fighter says what?

“I don’t think Islam believes that,” Volkanovski shrugged. “That he’s expecting to put me down, keep me there and just have his way with me … mate, I really don’t think he believes it.”

Yet if he does?

“Wait and see his face once I get up,” he continued.

“If you’re relying on me crumbling, it’s going to be a long night.

“That ain’t happening.

“I’m going to get back to my feet every single time.

“And even putting me down, it’s going to be hard.

“My movement will make it hard, my takedown defence will make it hard and my power will make it hard.

“And then it’s going to be even harder to keep me there.

“I’m going to get up.

“And once I do I ain’t going to stop. That’s how I am.

“So he actually needs to worry about me on my feet because this fight starts with us on our feet.”

Pushed on Makhachev’s recent claims that it takes 10 years training, not a fight camp, to learn how to go with a guy like him, the Aussie continued: “Well, he’s talking about most fighters.

“And there are a lot of people out there who fight one dimensional.

“But I’m not that.

“I’ve proved it.

“And what about the striking department?

“Shooting on me is going to be a lot different for Islam. He’s never fought anyone with my movement.

“And I’m not just moving for the sake of it, either.

“I’m calculated.

“There are reasons for my movement.

“So you make one false move, attempt one lazy takedown and I’m going to make you pay.

“How about that?

“People aren’t talking about that.

“They’re talking about the David and Goliath battle because that’s all they see.

“And that’s fine, let them talk.

“Let me be the underdog.

“It will all add to my legacy.”

Asked about Volkanovski’s incredible championship reign since 2019, which has included three wins over the legendary Max Holloway, the Makhachev said: “Alex has good experience against striking guys, yes.

“But I’m different.

“His other opponents, they were all small guys and (still) they take him down.

“But coming up to 155 division, it’s not the same.

“It’s big guys, with more power.

“And when I take him down, he’s going to understand, going to understand that power … it’s going to be too much for him.”

Elsewhere, and unprompted, the lightweight champ also responded to a recent Volkanovski post that appeared, somewhat hilariously, to show a face in the crinkles of his knee.

The post then carried a tagline which read: “Yo Islam … your belt’s got my name on it and my face has your knee on it”.

“And I saw him put up some photos — Islam’s face on my knee,” Makhachev said with a wry smile.

“But to do that, he needs to bring a chair.

“He jokes too much.

“And when that cage door closes, he’s going to forget all jokes.”

None of which bothers Volkanovski?

“Mate, that’s just some Aussie humour,” he grinned.

“But a joker?

“Could I be where I am right now if I was a joker in the gym? Could I have the mindset that I do?

“You’ve seen the things I’ve done.

“I’ll never stop, I keep coming.

“I’m not like the other guys.

“Why do you think I want these type of fights?”

“I want to be the underdog. Want to prove people wrong.

“I want people to ask me ‘oh, what are you going to do about Islam’s size?’

“And I want the people who keep saying this stuff, who keep asking these questions to remember it when my hand gets raised.”