Islam Makhachev is gearing up to defend his lightweight crown against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 next month, and it seems the Dagestani fighter has Canadian-American YouTubers, the NELK Boys, to accompany him as he trains.
The popular group of social media influencers are often seen at UFC events and have hosted several big-name UFC fighters on their podcast. They have also been spotted hanging out with Dana White himself on multiple occasions.
Check out the post below:
In a video posted to Full Send MMA on YouTube, the controversial vloggers can be seen in snow-covered Dagestan participating in Makhachev’s training exercises with his teammates. They can be seen running in the snow and taking cold plunges in a body of water as they get a taste of how it is to train with the lightweight champion in extremely cold conditions.
Soon after Islam Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight title at UFC 280, Dagestan’s sambo maestro called out Alexander Volkanovski for a super fight. The two champions shook hands in the octagon and agreed to a matchup in Australia on February 12 for the lightweight title as well as the P4P No.1 rank.
Watch the full video below:
Coach Javier Mendez does not see Islam Makhachev finishing Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
As Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski prepare to face each other in their highly anticipated super fight at UFC 284 in Australia, Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez claimed that he expects the fight to go the distance.
In an interview with Helen Yee, the founder and head coach of AKA Gym was asked about the Dagestani lightweight champion’s preparations for his title defense. Mendez gave an update on Makhachev’s current training in Dagestan and iterated his confidence in his pupil’s abilities.
However, Mendez claimed that he did not see Islam Makhachev securing a finish on February 12 and stated:
“I expect that at the end of the day Islam Makhachev is going to be pound-for-pound the best fighter in the UFC or in the world. After he beats Alex, which I’m expecting him to do, but not like people are thinking, like any kind of finish. I don’t like that. It’s going to be a five-round war.”
Watch the full interview below:
Both Volkanovski and Makhachev boast impressive professional records. They have only had one loss in their careers and have dominated their respective divisions to the top.
Volkanovski last beat Max Holloway in their trilogy fight at UFC 276 via unanimous decision. Makhachev last won the lightweight strap by defeating Oliveira via second-round submission at UFC 280.
More: UFC 284