We don’t deserve Alexander Volkanovski.

“The Great” has proven to be exactly that on more occasions than one throughout his legendary 30-fight career (26-4). Unfortunately for Volkanovski, he’s currently taking his time to just chill and slow-heal after two rough consecutive knockout losses within the past eight months.

However, the former UFC featherweight champion is starting to get itchy knuckles again after his recent trip to Bangtao in Thailand.

“I was getting to the point where I went to Thailand, and I did exactly what I wanted to do,” Volkanovski told Submission Radio. “Now I’m absolutely hounding my manager saying, ‘What do you reckon, man? What do we do [next]?’ and he’s like, ‘Relax, relax.’”

Many within the MMA community speculated that Volkanovski’s antsy nature was what cost him in his previous two title fights at lightweight and featherweight against Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. For the first of those two, Volkanovski stepped in for Charles Oliveira on roughly two weeks’ notice to rematch Makhachev after their original encounter in early 2023. Unlike their first fight, a unanimous decision win for Makhachev, the lightweight champion put a stamp on part two with a first-round head kick and punches finish.

That rematch took place in October and the Aussie icon turned around to unsuccessfully defend his 145-pound crown in February. After this week’s turmoil surrounding the upcoming UFC 303 event at the end of the month, Volkanovski finds himself with the possibility of getting the same opportunity if needed.

The welterweight main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler is suddenly in jeopardy after the Dublin, Ireland pre-fight press conference on Monday was postponed without reason. McGregor has since reportedly canceled all upcoming media obligations. MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani also provided an update yesterday, reporting that the UFC is putting out “feelers” for alternative fighter and fight options in the case that McGregor vs. Chandler dissolves. The fight is still on at this moment, but Chandler also took to Twitter yesterday, stating that he’s headed back to his home in Nashville, Tennessee.

Well, if worst comes to worst, the promotion knows they can rely on Volkanovski.

“Yeah, I reckon 100 percent [I’d be in],” Volkanovski said of stepping in. “As long as it’s a big fight. I won’t just take any fight. That’s a big deal. Save the day as well, I don’t know, I feel like I just love saving the day. I’m just that good of a guy. If I have to save the day, I’ll save the day.

“Obviously, get paid well for it, but you never know. I just was muckin’ around with that. I don’t even know if — probably nothing even happened. It’s probably just a little hiccups and everyone’s blowing it out of proportion, but I’ll have fun and throw the name out there just for a bit of a laugh.”

Ideally, Volkanovski hopes to return in October under normal circumstances.

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TOP STORIES

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

Comeback. Jimmy Smith returning to Bellator broadcast team starting with Dublin card in June

Shakeup. MMA Divisional Rankings: Michael Chandler exits due to inactivity as uncertainty swirls around Conor McGregor

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

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

Prediction. Eddie Alvarez extremely confident Arman Tsarukyan beats Islam Makhachev, breaks down Khabib comparison

Expensive. Fan pays $95,000 at Neymar auction to watch Charles Oliveira train, cut weight for next UFC fight

Recap. The Ultimate Fighter 32: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko Episode 1 results

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LET’S WATCH

Sound & Pound.

Cannonier vs. Imavov Fight Preview.

Free fight.

A Poatan timeline.

Dark Truth of Paul vs. Tyson?

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LISTEN UP

Heck of a Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck discusses what in the world is going on with Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.

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MORNING MUSIC

Lots of new Poppy tracks dropping lately. She don’t miss.

Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or find one of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re currently really into. I’ll pick the best one alongside my daily choice and give you a shoutout! You can also share in the comments below — those are just harder to sift through sometimes!

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SOCIAL SCROLL DOWN

El Diamante.

Break out the power bar!

Okay, Michael.

He has a way with words, doesn’t he?

Prep.

Flex on ‘em.

We see you, Kayla.

Font is wanted.

GSP.

Bullets from the Bullet.

Classic.

Could have fought Diaz.

The return.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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FINAL THOUGHTS

It would certainly be a much better short-notice scenario for Volk in this hypothetical case than last time. You can’t tell me either wouldn’t be fun matchups. Why not just head to lightweight at this point, Volk?

Thanks for reading!

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EXIT POLL

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