By Daniel Vreeland 

In the world of MMA, it’s becoming more and more popular to talk trash an opponent to generate excitement and buzz. 

The Conor McGregor effect seems to have struck just about every division in and out of the UFC.

But don’t count Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski (17-1) in for a verbal joust, especially not before his fight July 14 vs. Darren Elkins at UFC Fight Night 133 in Boise. 

During his recent interview with the Top Turtle MMA Podcast on FloCombat, the rising UFC featherweight Volkanovski not only declined to talk trash about his opponent but instead went completely the other way. 

“To be honest, I think he should be ranked even higher,” Volkanovski said of Elkins’ current No. 10 spot in the UFC rankings. 

Along with Elkins’ six-fight winning streak, Volkanovski points to Elkins’ durability and toughness as another reason he should be higher up the ranks. One bout in particular provided one of the main reasons Volkanovski thinks Elkins is underrated. 

“I watched that Mirsad Bektic fight [at UFC 209] and it was unbelieveable for him to come back,” Volkanovski said. 

Related: Darren Elkins | The Damage Is Never Done

Although Volkanovski believes in Elkins’ toughness, it doesn’t mean the Australian isn’t confident going into the fight. 

He is, however, ready for a long fight if need be. 

“I train too hard; I’m known for grinding people out just like him, but [I’m] actually doing the damage rather than eating the damage,” Volkanovski said. “I just think that if he’s as durable as he seems, it’s just going to be three rounds of absolute punishment.”

And those similarities between the two is what Volkovski thinks gives him the biggest edge in what is certainly the biggest fight of his career to-date. 

“The problem is, I think I’m going to be putting that same punishment, but I will not tire,” Volkanovski said. “I don’t mean this as any disrespect, but I just think that I’m a bad matchup for him.”

It’s clear Volkanovski has a lot of respect for Elkins, and he understands well what beating a grizzled veteran means for his career. 

“I was pushing for someone in the top 15 and wanted to fight in the U.S.,” Volkanovski said. “This is a massive fight, and I think if I go out there and do my thing and finish in crazy fashion, this could really set me in the top-10 rankings.”