Alexander Volkanovski Open to 'BMF' Title Fight if Makhachev Rematch Fails

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is ready to prove he's the "baddest motherf**ker" in the UFC if his highly anticipated rematch with Islam Makhachev doesn't materialize.

Volkanovski, who recently challenged Makhachev for the lightweight championship but fell short, is willing to vie for the coveted "BMF" belt in the interim. Following his intense battle with Makhachev at UFC 284, Volkanovski is set to drop back down to featherweight and face interim champ Yair Rodriguez on July 8 at UFC 290.

However, just three weeks later, the vacant "BMF" title will be up for grabs when Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje collide in the main event at UFC 291 on July 29. Volkanovski, never one to back down from a challenge, has expressed his keen interest in taking on the winner.

In a candid conversation on Israel Adesanya's YouTube channel, Volkanovski voiced his desire for the ultimate test of badassery. He stated:

"At the end of the day, fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. Who's the ruler of the badasses? It's the guys that will fight injured and consistently, guys like Israel Adesanya, like myself. … That's something that I'd love to do. I'd do it anywhere, any place, any time. Maybe a 'BMF' belt fight while – if Islam is there doing his thing, and then we do our immediate rematch after, then I can have three belts. I'd love that. Featherweight, 'BMF' belt, and that lightweight belt."

Poirier and Gaethje have already showcased their exceptional skills in a Fight of the Year barnburner in 2018, where Poirier emerged victorious with a Round 4 stoppage. Volkanovski, sharing his insights on the impending rematch, slightly leans towards Poirier to come out on top once again.

"If I had to lean toward someone, I feel like I'd start leaning toward Poirier," Volkanovski said. "He obviously won the last time they fought, and I think I'd probably lean toward Dustin. But I mean, you can't tell me that Justin Gaethje can't catch him. And then you've seen even in Justin's last fight, his fitness held on obviously fighting (Rafael) Fiziev, (who) slowed down a bit, and Justin started pouring it on. So he might even be there the whole time, but I just think that you know that Dustin can go the five rounds, and he probably gets more and more technical as the fight goes on."

While Volkanovski's immediate focus remains on his upcoming bout with Rodriguez, the prospect of a "BMF" title fight adds another layer of excitement to his career trajectory. With his unwavering determination and fighting spirit, the featherweight champ is ready to leave no doubt about his status as one of the UFC's most formidable warriors.

Whether it's an epic rematch with Makhachev or a battle for the "BMF" belt, Alexander Volkanovski continues to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with, and his indomitable spirit resonates throughout the Octagon.