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UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanokvski wants to keep taking out legends to cement his legacy in the division.
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has done his opponent Chan-Sung Jung a favour by giving him a title shot, but says that's where the charity will end.
The two clash on Saturday (Sunday 2pm Aust) in Jacksonville, Florida where the 33-year-old Volkanovski will defend his crown for the third time in his career.
The Australian has held the belt for over two years, with his last fight against Brian Ortega in 2021.
With a win-streak that spans 20 fights and a 10-0 record in the UFC since joining the organisation in 2016, Volkanovski says he deserves to wear the crown.
"I earned it, I deserve it, so I don't have to feel like I'm being cocky by owning that crown that I deserve to wear," he said.
His South Korean opponent has had one shot at the title in the past, losing to then champion Jose Aldo via fourth-round TKO in 2013.
The "Korean Zombie' has a 17-6-0 record in the UFC and is known for his ability to withstand heavy blows and keep fighting.
That style has labelled the 35-year-old a legend in the sport, but Volkanovski says he's confident of continuing his trend of taking out greats.
"Zombie's been at the top of the game ever since this featherweight division has ever started," he told reporters.
"This is a legacy fight, I've taken out a lot of the legends and I want to keep taking out legends. So he's definitely one of them.
"I'm going to go out there do my thing. I'm happy for him that he got a title shot but it's probably going to be his last title shot.
"I don't wan't to say I'm looking past him, like I'm cocky, but where I'm at right now I can't see myself being beaten.
"We did him a solid by giving him this last shot, but that's it.
"That's as far as his favour goes because I'm going to take that away from him."