Instead, it's all part of UFC boss Dana White's new blueprint to keep the sport up and running amid the COVID-19 lockdown period.

UFC 249 is scheduled for April 18 and, to help the event go ahead, White plans to keep the fighters together on a private, unnamed island, understood to be in California. There would be no crowds at the event.

The idea has the backing of UFC featherweight world champion Alexander Volkanovski - if it's done right.

"If anyone would be able to something like that, it's Dana. So I reckon he can pull it together," the Flinders product told the Mercury.

"At the end of the day, a lot of people might find it funny that we're risking things and stuff like that, which I understand, but at the same time there's rules out there where we could work together.

"Maybe they need to be checked [for COVID-19] and there's a lot more protocols. As long as they abide by all the rules they can to make it as safe as possible, I think it's pretty cool to be honest.

"I think it would be good for the sport and the world would be watching, because there's not much else we can watch. I've been saying I don't know if I should. But now I'm thinking, maybe I should fight on a private island and have the world watch. If they get me a private jet and fly me over there."

Volkanovski returned home a world champion after he defeated former champion Max Holloway in Las Vegas last December. There has been talks of a rematch in Australia this year, however Volkanovski is yet to hear any confirmation.

In the meantime, the 31-year-old has been spending time in Flinders with his wife Emma and their daughters Airlie and Ariana, while also keeping up his fitness.

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Volkanovski continues to train at home, "at least two sessions a day", but admitted his fight preparation would be hampered if White's plan got the green light.

"I'm [also] doing a lot of podcasts and social media to build up my profile," Volkanovski said.

"I'm very motivated [to train] but obviously I don't have my wrestling and grappling, or real fight specific training. If this is going to be the way it is for the next three to six months, maybe we all just fight under prepared? That would be tricky but I believe I know enough. And as long as I'm moving well and fit enough, I'll give anyone in the lightweight and featherweight divisions a good go."

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