Famed UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway rates Australian challenger Alex Volkanovksi as a dangerous fighter, but remains focused on becoming one of the all-time greats.
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Volkanovski, who played rugby league for several years on the NSW South Coast, will feature in one of three world title fights on the massive UFC 245 card in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT).
The 31-year-old Australian is on a 17-fight MMA winning streak spanning six years.
Hawaiian Holloway has dominated the featherweight division in recent years with his only loss in his last 15 fights coming in a higher division.
Volkanovski has earned a title shot in his eighth fight in just over three years under the UFC banner.
"He's a dangerous guy," Holloway said of Volkanovski.
"There's a lot of questions he presents - the power is one, endurance is one, his pressure is another."
Volkanovksi has never been forced beyond the fourth round in a UFC fight, but is confident he could go the five round distance if required.
"I've got the gas tank, I really do. That's one thing I don't have to worry about," Volkanovski told AAP.
"I've got a good game plan, I just need to stay focused. Don't fall into his rhythm, stay in my rhythm.
"I'm going to take what's in front of me. I ain't gonna go in for the kill and take any risks.
"But at the same time, I think he's going to put himself in a lot of risky situations (and) I believe I'm going to put him away."
Volkanovski will start as underdog against a fighter who is ranked No.7 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, with aspirations of rising much higher.
"I want to be No.1 pound for pound fighter in the world. I want to be one of the greats of all time," 28-year-old Holloway said.
With Robert Whittaker recently deposed as middleweight champion, Australia doesn't have a UFC title holder. Volkanovski is confident he can fill that hole.
"Once I take that belt I'm going to be the guy everyone in Australia that everyone is talking about," Volkanovski said.
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman defends his belt against Colby Covington, and female featherweight and bantamweight titleholder Amanda Nunes will defend the latter title against Germaine De Randamie.
Australian Associated Press
