UFC featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski has revealed his thoughts on the promotion creating an interim title.

Right now, in the landscape of mixed martial arts, there’s arguably nobody better than Alexander Volkanovski. The Australian sensation is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC based on the rankings, he’s one of the most dominant champions of his era, and he’s been able to dispatch rival Max Holloway three times - with his latest success, in the trilogy, serving as a real statement-making moment in his blossoming career.

After the bout, he made no secret of the fact that he’s interested in moving up to 155 pounds in order to try and become a two-weight world champion.

As a result there’s been some talk of an interim belt being created at featherweight, and with Volkanovski being set for hand surgery sooner rather than later, he’s admitted in a recent interview that it could be the best route to take.

“To be honest, I don’t mind the idea while I’m sitting here [injured],” Volkanovski said. “There’s no clear — for that No. 1 contender, right? Let them fight for that No. 1 contender, because I think they both deserve it. They’re both in a position where they could get a shot. Are they screaming out where it needs to be them before everyone? No, not really. So let them fight for that No. 1 contender. 

“If it’s for the interim belt and then we’ll fight, sweet. Because like I told you, I’m not lying when I say I want to be active. They can go do that, I’ll go do my thing, and I’m telling you, a couple months after that, get me back in there, I’ll do it.

“Perfect world for me, lightweight title early next year, and then if they do this interim thing, if that happens, it will just make for a bigger fight anyway, so I don’t mind.”

Who would fight for the strap?

Last Saturday night, Yair Rodriguez was able to edge past Brian Ortega after an unfortunate shoulder injury rendered ‘T-City’ unable to continue. The Mexican star was already being discussed as a potential title challenger and will likely be put forward as a candidate, whereas on the other side of the cage, Josh Emmett will probably be there to greet him thanks to his impressive five-fight win streak.