UFC president Dana White has gifted undefeated Sydney featherweight Alexander Volkanovski the biggest fight of his career, saying: “We have huge plans for this guy”.

Ranked among Australia’s most promising fighters, 30-year-old Volkanovksi has finally been given his spot on a blockbuster Las Vegas card - set to challenge American Chad Mendes at UFC 232 in December.

media_camera Alexander Volkanovski of Australia will fight at UFC 232. Picture: AAP Image media_camera Chad Mendes represents a huge challenge for Volkanovski. Picture: Getty Images

With Mendes ranked at No. 5, the fight represents a huge challenge for the Shellharbour native - and former Warilla Gorillas prop - who has himself cracked into the division’s top 10 after going undefeated in all five Octagon appearances.

Better, Volkanovski is also undefeated in his past 14 fights as a professional, having not experienced a loss since May, 2013.

Just watched these highlights and without a doubt in my mind @alexvolkanovski will be the @ufc featherweight champ within the next 2 years. Has one of the most complete games in the entire ufc and is incredible to watch. #ufc #champ pic.twitter.com/OjezCvEJb0 — JW (@jdublu7) October 16, 2018

The bout will take place in the world’s fight capital on December 30.

Asked about Volkanovski, White said: “Absolutely love him.

“He’s undefeated, and an awesome fighter.

“And that match up with Mendes, yeah, it’s done. It’s going to be a massive test but now, to be fighting on a card in Las Vegas … we have huge plans for the guy.”

Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) has the highest significant striking accuracy rate in UFC history, and it's not even close. #UFCBeijing pic.twitter.com/eoARmlLKEA — MMA By The Numbers (@NumbersMMA) November 19, 2018

Apart from being catapulted into the biggest test of his career, Volkanovski can also announce himself Stateside given UFC 232 will be headlined by returning megastar Jon Jones and Alexander Gustaffson.

The Australian slugger last fought at UFC Fight Night 133 in Boise, defeating Darren Elkins via unanimous decision. Afterwards, the Sydneysider called out Mendes who had also enjoyed a win on the same card - defeating Myles Jury via first round TKO.

"Those sounded like gunshots." -- @jimmysmithmma



Alexander Volkanovski put on a Khabib-esque performance in his win at #UFC221! https://t.co/jQA0chBxxM — FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) February 11, 2018

For Mendes, the Boise card represented a successful UFC return after more than two years out due to a USADA suspension.

That ban, coincidentally, is one of the key reasons Volkanovski apparently chased so hard for the fight, insisting he is determined to take down the sport’s ‘bad guys’ one after another.

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