Alexander Volkanovski may be considered a rank outsider against UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev at UFC 284, but the man himself says he’s ready to elevate to double champ status.

Volkanovski is Australia’s big hope as he headlines the fight card in Perth on Sunday.

Volkanovski is already in discussions to headline a second Australian blockbuster later this year – with or without ‘champ champ’ status – as official UFC figures also have him on track to steal Conor McGregor’s Pay-Per-View crown Down Under.

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Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Volkanovski said it was “good to be back” fighting Down Under.

“It’s incredible (the home support). It’s absolutely stacked in here and it’s just the press conference,” he said.

“Some of the best fans in the world are here in Australia and we get to put on a show. Champ, champ baby let’s go!”

The Volk said he planned to “smack (Makhachev) in the face” when the two meet on Sunday.

But his rival, who was met with loud boos every time he spoke, said he wasn’t phased by the lack of support in Perth.

“(It) doesn’t matter; when (the) cage is closed, people are just going to watch,” he said.

“I’m going to beat him easy.

“Many people say Islam is the best fighter in the world right now … Sunday morning I’m going to show you why the people think this.

“I’m not going to be (like a zombie), to follow him like Holloway.”

Volkanovski, who was asked if a win would lift him above Cathy Freeman’s Olympic heroics as Australia’s greatest sporting moment, said he knew he was the underdog heading into Sunday’s fight but was ready to prove the critics wrong.

“Look it’s not up to me to say outstanding things like that,” he answered.

“This is a big fight.

“I told everyone from the start this is a challenge. I am moving up.

“When I do it, I can’t wait.

“I know I’m doing everything I need to.

“People will say I’m crazy for stepping up … that’s weak looking at it that way.

“Don’t look at what might happen if things go wrong. Let’s look at what happens if things go right. Sunday it’s going to go right and I’m going to be champ, champ.”

Volkanovski hit back at those who believe his grapple isn’t up to Makhachev’s standard.

“He’s thinking I’m going to be easy. I hope he did his research like we did,” he said.

“To think that I won’t be prepared for that (grapple) is silly.

“I ain’t tapping, I ain’t going to sleep. I’m putting hands on him and that’s that.”

PERTH’S HERO GETS STELLAR RECEPTION

Perth’s hometown boy Jack Della Maddalena was easily the biggest fan favourite at Friday’s press conference.

And it was his opponent Randy Brown who drew the biggest boos at RAC Arena.

But Brown easily took the fan hate in his stride.

“I love it. I love Perth. I f–king love Perth. Perth is the s–t,” he said after flipping the crowd off.

“But Imma have to play spoiler to your boy, I’m sorry.

“Brazil, same sh-t (with the fans). The thing is … you’ll can’t fight for him. I’m gonna put that nose back on the other side of his face.

“He’s young, he’s a killer, he’s dangerous.

“I actually have a ton of respect for him … but I know he has a long way to go.

“The kid’s got a lot to learn. Now’s the time to catch him early.”

Della Maddalena, who got massive cheers for every question, said he planned to use the crowd’s support when he faced Brown.

“Randy can expect to wake up with a crazy crowd going absolutely berserk for me,” he said.

“It means the world (fighting in Perth). It’s going to be insane on Sunday.”

UFC BOSS PRAISES VOLK’S ‘MOSTER FIGHT’

This week Fox Sports Australia revealed Volkanovski is on target to become the first man to bring not one, but two title fights Down Under in the same year – while also promising to triumph in “one of the biggest fights in Australian history”.

On an undefeated tear stretching 10 years and 22 fights, Australia’s No.1 fighter now finally gets the chance to challenge for UFC gold on home soil – facing feared Dagestani wrestler, and UFC lightweight king, Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 this Sunday.

Volkanovski, the 25-1 featherweight champion and number one in the pound-for-pound rankings, jumps up a weight class to take on the lightweight champ Makhachev, number two in the pound-for-pound rankings.

“It’s a monster fight,” UFC boss Dana White declared.

“I don’t think it’s ever happened – number one and number two fighting … When you have the number one versus number two pound for pound guys in the world, fighting each other in their prime – it’s never happened, if you think of all the fights we’ve had in the UFC.”

Follow his live press conference from Friday below.

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