Ahead of their highly anticipated clash for the featherweight title, Alexander Volkanovski and Chan Sung Jung faced-off for the final time, before they clash in the octagon.
“I’m not the type of guy to toot my own horn, but I believe in my abilities,” Volkanovski said.
“I want that GOAT status. I want that pound-for-pound, greatest of all time. My work ethic and mentality will get me there, but I’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
When the press conference came to an end, Volkanovski demanded a face-off against ‘The Korean Zombie’ who was only too happy to oblige.
“Supposedly, we’re not allowed to do any face-offs, but let’s give the crowd what they want,” the Aussie said.
After the brief stare down, Volkanovski wheeled away and ripped his shirt apart, before laughing.
However, co-main event opponents Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan didn’t get the chance to face-off, as security quickly intervened between them.
The pair, who have already fought once, provided plenty of the animosity in front of a lively crowd in Jacksonville, Florida.
‘The Funkmaster’ entered into the event wearing an American football helmet, alluding to Yan illegally kneeing him in the head when they met last March.
He also came equipped with an MMA rulebook which he held aloft to the jeering crowd.
“I’ll kill him on Saturday,” Yan responded.
“Yan is a tough competitor, but he’s dirty. He’s a dirty fighter,” Sterling said.
The highly anticipated fight between Brazilian Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chameav also drew the attention of the crowd and journalists in attendance.
“We’re the real main event,” Gilbert said.
“I’m gonna smash that guy and knock him out: one minute,” Chimaev said. “Scared little boy.”
Also featuring on the main card is women’s strawweight contenders Mackenzie Dern and Tecia Torres.
“I’ve fought the best in this division,” Torres said. “I’ve fought every single girl that’s been champion. And she [Dern] probably ranks somewhere in the middle, if I’m being honest.”
“Should she win this fight, she’s still far away from the title. I see myself being victorious and being really close to the title though.”