Alex Volkanovski: If You're Throwing Around Interim Titles, Give Me One

Alexander Volkanovski faces the biggest test of his career so far when he faces off against former featherweight king Jose Aldo at UFC 237 on May 11 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and he's making the argument that it should be for bigger stakes.

The Aussie, who is currently riding a 16-fight winning streak, believes if he beats Aldo next month and the current champion Max Holloway delays his return to featherweight, the promotion should reward him with an interim title.

As it stands, two interim titles will be on the line at UFC 236 next week including a fight at lightweight between Holloway -- who will be moving up a weight division -- and Dustin Poirier for the interim 155-pound belt.

“The Great” is aware the UFC are not against awarding interim titles to fighters if the division will be held up by the current champion and the 30-year-old wants one for himself if he can upset the Brazilian next month (via MMA Junkie).

“We know how this game works now. How many interim titles are there? I’m not throwing shade on the guys organizing that, but it’s happening a lot, and I’m expecting it to happen to me,” Volkanovski said.

“If Holloway wins, and he wants to fight Khabib (Nurmagomedov) and wait around, give me the interim. You’re throwing them around – give me one. But I’m not going to wait around. I’m almost certain I get the next shot after this fight. I beat Aldo in his hometown, nobody’s got a better claim.”

Aldo is currently battling an infection in his knee and his participation at the event is still under a cloud with countryman Renato Carneiro nominating himself to replace Aldo if he is forced to pull out of the event.