Quotes from Alexander Volkanovski

I'll be honest when I tell you, Max Holloway is the hardest matchup out of everyone in our division. By far. And I was happy to take him back to back.

Max is a true champion. I enjoy watching him fight but I want to get that fight. I want it.

I've always been a respectful kind of guy.

When it comes to pace, we know that I don't have a problem.

Even just my basics are so effective against a guy like Max Holloway.

No beating around the bush. Give me the guys that are next in line, the guys that deserve it, and let's go.

I said as soon as I got the belt, I want number one contenders.

I like to throw bombs.

My dad's Macedonian, mum Greek... so for as long as I can remember, my uncles have talked about our warrior blood.

Some people fight and stuff outside the cage, but I never liked that sort of thing. I just always wanted to do martial arts and I finally did it at 22 years old, so later in life, but it's all good.

When it comes to cardio, we know I don't have a problem.

I've obviously got the brains. I've got the cardio.

I like to stay active. I'm one of the champions chasing the contenders.

My surname Volkanovski comes from my father's side, so I have many Macedonian supporters and I really appreciate it.

Anyone that's watched my career knows that I finish fights and that I'm one scary dude to be in the cage with.

I was never planning on just making the UFC, I was always planning to be champion.

When Elkins came forward I was absolutely ecstatic. It's a massive fight. Realistically he doesn't need to take this fight, but he did - good on him. I've got a lot of respect for him, but I think this is a very dangerous fight for him. Again, he's a grinder, he wears people down, but I don't wear out, especially when I'm in good condition.

I made promises to myself and my family that I'd be in the UFC before my first daughter was born, that didn't happen. I was almost at breaking point a week before I got that contract, I was going to go back to concreting - that weekend I get my major sponsor, which was huge, and I end up getting my UFC contract the weekend after that.

Ground and pound is my thing, everyone knows that.

I'm always my hardest critic.

I'm chasing my contenders. I'm talking about that GOAT status.

I'm like one of those little chihuahua's that thinks they're ten feet tall.

You see what I can use in my range, even with tall people, imagine what I could do to someone half my size.

I always prepare for the worst.