Australia’s UFC featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski has returned serve on a title challenge from hyped US newcomer Aaron Pico, declaring “I mop the floor with him”.
A December title opportunity against ‘Volk’ likely goes up for grabs when Pico – after eight years starring in Bellator – makes his Octagon debut against undefeated Englishman Lerone Murphy in the co-main at UFC 319 on Sunday (AEST).
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, Pico insisted the winner of this weekend’s co-main should be catapulted straight into what is being whispered as a December title bout for the champ.
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The American also stressed he would beat ‘The Great’ – potentially by KO — and revealed he had never missed watching any of his UFC bouts.
Speaking on Main Event Australia’s Fight Week program however, Volkanovski had his chance to respond and did not hold back.
Asked about Pico’s suggestions that he would not only upset the Sydneysider, but likely knock him cold, the champ replied: “You’ve gotta think that.
“That is perfectly fine.
“And everyone has a puncher’s chance.
“He is an all-American wrestler (as well), but I’ll tell you right now, what’s the bet if we were to wrestle, I’d embarrass him there anyway.
“A lot of people want to be like, ‘I did this, I did that,’ like I haven’t faced them guys in the gym.
“I’ve faced really good wrestlers much heavier than him, and trust me, I do alright.”
Pushed on the confidence of his challenger, the Aussie continued: “He’s gotta have that confidence, right?
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“(But) I’m not gonna really take it seriously until he goes and shows me something.
“You’ve done stuff in your other promotions … come over here, do it here, and alright, I’ll look into it more.”
So as for Pico’s chances come a December showdown?
“He’s only got a puncher’s chance, I’ll leave it at that,” Volkanovski said.
“I reckon I would honestly — it excites me because I reckon I’d crumble him in the wrestling department.
“He might be good for one takedown, two takedowns.
“If he even gets me down, I’m straight back up — and watch him not want to clinch up anymore after that.
“His best bet is to try and land a big shot.
“Other than that, I mop the floor with him.”
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