Michael Chandler believes that Alexander Volkanovski has what it takes to edge past Islam Makhachev to win a decision at the upcoming UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.
Volkanovski and Makhachev will go head-to-head in a lightweight matchup on February 12 to find out who leaves the octagon with the 155-pound strap and is crowned the pound-for-pound (P4P) king.
The highly anticipated superfight has already gotten many fans and fighters pondering upon the possible outcomes.
In a recent interview with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Chandler gave his take on the lightweight title fight and outlined a contrarian prediction:
“I’m a huge Alexander Volkanovski fan… I do think Volkanovski is going to do better than we all think he does. In the striking department, Volkanovski is better than him. I think in the speed and power department, Volkanovski is better than him… I think Volkanovski might actually squeak out a decision.”
Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev have had similar pro-MMA careers. Both have lost just once. ‘The Great’ has remained undefeated in the UFC and last beat Max Holloway via unanimous decision at UFC 276.
Makhachev recently became the lightweight king when he beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 via second-round submission. The Dagestani will be looking to extend his winning streak to snatch the P4P crown from Volkanovski.
Watch the full interview below:
Jamahal Hill believes Alexander Volkanovski being smaller than Islam Makhachev will benefit the Australian
Alexander Volkanovski will look to be crowned the UFC’s newest double-champ when he takes on Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 next year. The Australian will be moving up from featherweight to lightweight and will carry a significant size disadvantage into the fight.
While many within the MMA community have doubted Volkanovski’s chances against the Dagestani grappling savant, UFC light heavyweight contender Jamahal Hill seems to have a different opinion.
Speaking in a video on James Lynch’s YouTube channel, Hill shared his predictions for the super fight and backed ‘The Great’ to come away victorious:
“I gotta go with my gut telling me he’s [Alexander Volkanovski] the P4P best… Just because he’s smaller, smaller dudes can sometimes be harder to grapple. Just because it’s hard to keep a hand on them. And they have really small, strong, good frames. Yeah, I think ‘Volk’ can get up, and stay moving. Stay on his feet, strike and walk [Islam Makhachev] into some traps.”
Watch the full video below: