Morning Report: Alexander Volkanovski ‘100 percent’ would step in at UFC 303 if needed: ‘I just love saving the day’

We don’t deserve Alexander Volkanovski.

“The Nice” has confirmed to be precisely that on extra events than one all through his legendary 30-fight profession (26-4). Sadly for Volkanovski, he’s at the moment taking his time to only chill and slow-heal after two tough consecutive knockout losses throughout the previous eight months.

Nevertheless, the previous UFC featherweight champion is beginning to get itchy knuckles once more after his latest journey to Bangtao in Thailand.

“I used to be attending to the purpose the place I went to Thailand, and I did precisely what I needed to do,” Volkanovski instructed Submission Radio. “Now I’m completely hounding my supervisor saying, ‘What do you reckon, man? What can we do [next]?’ and he’s like, ‘Calm down, calm down.’”

Many throughout the MMA group speculated that Volkanovski’s antsy nature was what price him in his earlier two title fights at light-weight and featherweight towards Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. For the primary of these two, Volkanovski stepped in for Charles Oliveira on roughly two weeks’ discover to rematch Makhachev after their authentic encounter in early 2023. In contrast to their first battle, a unanimous resolution win for Makhachev, the light-weight champion put a stamp on half two with a first-round head kick and punches end.

That rematch came about in October and the Aussie icon rotated to unsuccessfully defend his 145-pound crown in February. After this week’s turmoil surrounding the upcoming UFC 303 occasion on the finish of the month, Volkanovski finds himself with the potential of getting the identical alternative if wanted.

The welterweight major occasion between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler is out of the blue in jeopardy after the Dublin, Eire pre-fight press convention on Monday was postponed with out motive. McGregor has since reportedly canceled all upcoming media obligations. MMA Combating’s Ariel Helwani additionally offered an replace yesterday, reporting that the UFC is placing out “feelers” for various fighter and battle choices within the case that McGregor vs. Chandler dissolves. The battle remains to be on at this second, however Chandler additionally took to Twitter yesterday, stating that he’s headed again to his dwelling in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nicely, if worst involves worst, the promotion is aware of they will depend on Volkanovski.

“Yeah, I reckon one hundred pc [I’d be in],” Volkanovski stated of stepping in. “So long as it’s a giant battle. I received’t simply take any battle. That’s a giant deal. Save the day as properly, I don’t know, I really feel like I simply love saving the day. I’m simply that good of a man. If I’ve to save lots of the day, I’ll save the day.

“Clearly, receives a commission properly for it, however you by no means know. I simply was muckin’ round with that. I don’t even know if — most likely nothing even occurred. It’s most likely just a bit hiccups and everybody’s blowing it out of proportion, however I’ll have enjoyable and throw the title on the market only for a little bit of fun.”

Ideally, Volkanovski hopes to return in October beneath regular circumstances.

Hypothesis. Chael Sonnen wonders if Conor McGregor silence signal of renewed focus, Daniel Cormier finds it ‘worrisome’

Comeback. Jimmy Smith returning to Bellator broadcast workforce beginning with Dublin card in June

Shakeup. MMA Divisional Rankings: Michael Chandler exits as a consequence of inactivity as uncertainty swirls round Conor McGregor

Absence. UFC 302 medical suspensions: Dustin Poirier, Sean Strickland face indefinite suspensions

Finale. Alan Jouban explains why he needs Dustin Poirier to retire after his loss at UFC 302

Prediction. Eddie Alvarez extraordinarily assured Arman Tsarukyan beats Islam Makhachev, breaks down Khabib comparability

Costly. Fan pays $95,000 at Neymar public sale to look at Charles Oliveira practice, lower weight for subsequent UFC battle

Recap. The Final Fighter 32: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko Episode 1 outcomes

Sound & Pound.

Cannonier vs. Imavov Combat Preview.

Free battle.

A Poatan timeline.

Darkish Reality of Paul vs. Tyson?

Heck of a Morning. MMA Combating’s Mike Heck discusses what on the earth is occurring with Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.

A number of new Poppy tracks dropping recently. She don’t miss.

Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or discover one in all my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re at the moment actually into. I’ll decide one of the best one alongside my day by day selection and provide you with a shoutout! You can too share within the feedback beneath — these are simply more durable to sift by way of generally!

El Diamante.

Get away the facility bar!

Okay, Michael.

He has a method with phrases, doesn’t he?

Prep.

Flex on ‘em.

We see you, Kayla.

Font is needed.

GSP.

Bullets from the Bullet.

Traditional.

May have fought Diaz.

The return.

Drew Dober (27-13, 1 NC) vs. Mike Davis (11-2); UFC Denver, July 13

Alyse Anderson (6-3) vs. Victoria Souza (7-2); ONE 168, Sept. 6

Robert Whiteford (16-5) vs. Roger Huerta (24-13-1); PFL Glasgow, Sept. 28

It could definitely be a significantly better short-notice situation for Volk on this hypothetical case than final time. You possibly can’t inform me both wouldn’t be enjoyable matchups. Why not simply head to light-weight at this level, Volk?

Thanks for studying!

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