Alexander Volkanovski does not intend on taking Islam Makhachev lightly ahead of their upcoming superfight at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.
Ahead of his shot at attaining champ-champ status, Volkanovski sat down with Michael Bisping for a chat. When asked about Makhachev’s possible gameplan for the fight, ‘The Great’ gave credit to the Dagestani team and said that their strategies are very calculated and risk-averse.
Volkanovski added that he’s confident in his stand-up skills and does not plan on being a static target for Makhachev.
“[Islam Makhachev’s] definitely gonna mix it up… They’re not a silly camp. Even when they are striking, they’re very defensive, aware and their approach is always for their game… You won’t see like, crazy kickboxing striking, but everything’s calculated and the way they approach everything, it’s pretty defensive. There’s always a safe net and a way to work their shots from there or clinching and things like that. They don’t take unnecessary risks on the feet… But again, you know, I’m pretty clever on the feet and I’m not the type to just stand in front of someone. So obviously, they’re gonna be aware of that.”
One of the things that makes this fight a fascinating affair is the amazing run the two fighters are having in the UFC. Alexander Volkanovski has won all 12 of his fights in the promotion, while Makhachev himself is riding an 11-fight win streak in the lightweight shark tank.
With that said, it will be interesting to see how things unfold at UFC 284 in February.
Catch Alexander Volkanovski speaking about Makhachev’s possible approach to the fight from the 9:24 mark below:
Arman Tsarukyan makes his pick for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has cast his prediction for the upcoming clash between Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev.
During an interview with The Schmo, Tsarukyan said that Volkanovski might prove to be Makhachev’s toughest challenge to date. However, the 26-year-old still believes that the Dagestani will emerge victorious come fight night:
“This is a good fight. I think this fight’s going to show if Islam’s the best or not in his game. Volkanovski is number one pound-for-pound and I think for Islam, he’s going to be the toughest opponent, you know? My opinion is still that Islam’s going to win, but for sure it’s not going to be easy like [Charles] Oliveira.”
Tsarukyan fought Makhachev on his UFC debut and held his own throughout the three-round contest. In the end, the current lightweight champion took home the victory via unanimous decision.
Check out Tsarukyan’s prediction from the 7:34 mark: