UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski's quest to be a two-division champion could soon become a reality, with the Australian announcing he will be the backup fighter for the lightweight title bout at UFC 280.

The 34-year-old Wollongong native is ranked No. 1 in the official pound-for-pound rankings, hasn't lost a fight since 2013 - and soon may add the lightweight crown to his featherweight title to bolster his growing legacy.

Volkanovski revealed on his YouTube channel and Twitter that he will be on standby if Charles Oliveira or Islam Makhachev can not make it to the main event later this month in Abu Dhabi.

'We're locked in as a backup fighter [for Oliveira vs. Makhachev at UFC 280]. You know, I've been calling for it, I said I want it. Just had to make sure the hand was all good,' Volkanovski explained.

'So we are good, we're locked in. We've got the clearance to fight. The UFC's on board, everyone's on board, so I'll be at UFC 280 to make weight. '

'Looking forward to it. Let's see what happens. If someone doesn't make it, I'm here to save the day. If not? At least I'm locked in as the next guy to fight for that lightweight title, and that's that.'

Volkanovski had previously indicated he would attend the UAE event, with a recent cryptic message to title contender Makhachev. 'Don't worry, brother, I'll be there,' he told him.

The Aussie started started campaigning for his opportunity to become a two-division UFC champion back in April, following demolition of Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273.

'I want this title fight. I called for it because I think I earned it,' said Volkanovski in an interview at the time.

'We're seeing guys get the chance at a second title for much less than what I've done. I don't think I'll waste my time unless it is for the belt.'

Volkanovski last fought in July at UFC 276 when he dismantled all-time great Max Holloway to retain the UFC featherweight title, despite breaking his hand early the fight.

UFC president Dana White was as impressed as everyone else by his performance and was open to the idea of Volkanovski becoming one of a handful of men to hold two UFC championships at the same time.

'He answered all the questions from all of the doubters tonight,' UFC president Dana White told media after the bout. 'He took that fight and he looked incredible. It's time for him to move on and do whatever he wants to do next.

'Does he want to keep defending that title? Does he want to move up? Whatever he wants to do, the world is open to him.'