Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski had a friendly conversation during the UFC 284 face-offs as their superfight nears.
In a video circulating on social media, Makhachev and Volkanovski showed the mutual respect that they have for one another. They can be heard discussing their respective weight-cuts for their lightweight title clash. Both fighters looked to have experienced a comfortable weight-cut to 155lbs and didn’t show signs of being overly exhausted.
‘Volk’ asked:
“Ready?…How’s the weight?…Good?”
The UFC lightweight champion responded, saying:
“I’m very excited…Very good [weight]…How’s your weight?”
They then sized each other up and ‘Volk’ noticed that the lightweight champion looked slimmer compared to their last interaction. The lightweight champion responded and let the featherweight champion know that he will be much bigger after the weigh-ins, saying:
“But after tomorrow gonna be big,” said the Dagestani. “You’re gonna be full. Don’t eat too much,” ‘Volk’ responded.
It will be interesting to see if there is a drastic size discrepancy when both champions are in the cage and how much of a factor that will be at UFC 284.
Islam Makhachev plans to outwrestle Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
Islam Makhachev is confident that he will earn his first successful lightweight title defense against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.
A win would be significant for the Dagestani’s legacy as ‘Volk’ is currently ranked No.1 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, which is where the lightweight champion would like to be. It’s no secret that he will look to utilize his wrestling and grappling against the featherweight champion.
During his UFC 284 open workout, the lightweight champion mentioned that he intends to outwrestle and outgrapple Volkanovski and take his place in the pound-for-pound rankings.
He said:
“He’s [Alexander Volkanovski] a good striker but we’re gonna check his wrestling and his grappling skills. Sorry guys, sorry but very soon we gonna change pound-for-pound king.” [9:18 – 9:30]
The lightweight king is envisioning a fight with ‘Volk’ to play out similar to his most recent bout against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, a decisive second-round submission win via arm-triangle choke.