The Shellharbour-born 29-year-old feels the same about his quest to join Robert Whittaker – Australia’s first UFC champion – in claiming the promotion’s ultimate prize.

It means he’ll be watching current featherweight champion Max Holloway’s March title defence against former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar with interest. 

“I’m looking forward to that fight and I really believe I’d be a bad match-up for Max Holloway,” Volkanovski said.

“I’m definitely going to keep a close eye on those guys because that’s my goal, to shoot through these ranks and eventually take those top dogs out.

“[Whittaker] beat me to it but I’m next, that’s definitely where I’m heading. People know I’m not just here to be in the UFC, they understand I’m climbing these ranks.”

Those who know Volkanovski would be well aware the claim is based on confidence, not cockiness. In a game where trash talk is the norm, the father-of-two is conspicuous in his humility 

It’s why he’s certainly not looking past his next opponent, Canadian Jeremy Kennedy, with whom he’ll throw down on the UFC 221 card in Perth on February 11.

The pair were initially scheduled to meet at UFC Fight Night in Sydney in November last year before Kennedy withdrew due to injury.

It’s been a frustratingly familiar story for Volkanovski, whose early UFC career has been marred by various cancellations and pre-fight disruptions – none of them his doing.

It’s made a lengthy preparation for his fourth UFC appearance a refreshing change, with the former Warilla Gorillas prop confident he’s in perfect shape.

“Last fight I had three opponent changes within three weeks so it’s good to have that one opponent I originally trained for,” Volkanovski said.

“[Kennedy’s] a tough opponent, we’re both 3-0 in the UFC, but I’ve had a full camp for him and I feel like I’m a bad match-up for him.

“We’re both grinders, we both like to put the pace on and ware people down but I feel that’s his only go-to. I can finish fights wherever I want.

“My ground game’s really good, my stand-up’s good, my wrestling and my gas tank… I think I’ve got too many tools for him.

“He’s a tough match-up for anyone in the division, I just think I’m a bad match-up for him and I’m going to prove that on the Perth card.”

Volkanovski will be one of several local stars – including Tai Tuivasa, Jake Matthews, Tyson Pedro and legendary KO artist Mark Hunt – looking to steal the show in Perth after Whittaker was forced to withdraw from his first title defence against former champion Luke Rockhold due to injury. 

“It’s disappointing with Rob Whittaker [withdrawing] but I know we’re all going to put on a really good show,” Volkanovski said. 

“I definitely am and I know the Aussies always bring it so people are definitely going to see some good fights.”