Islam Makhachev sent a warning to Alexander Volkanovski regarding the latter’s comments in a recent interview.
With only a few days to go before UFC 284, Makhachev and Volkanovski are suddenly starting to become rivals. Both fighters tend to be respectful, but the tension has skyrocketed after the reigning lightweight champion didn’t like a comment made by his upcoming opponent. ‘The Great’ was doing an interview with Brett Okamoto of ESPN and had this to say:
“He’s a pretty respectful dude, but I felt like there was a cockiness, and I love smacking smirks off peoples’ faces.”
Regardless of Volkanovski’s intent, Makhachev didn’t take kindly to the comment. He responded on Twitter by saying:
“Just watched Volk interview with ESPN about smacking my face etc. Keep the same energy tomorrow at press conf when you face me”
Volkanovski has been vocal about feeling like Makhachev and his team are underestimating him. Despite being the number one pound-for-pound fighter, ‘The Great’ is currently a massive betting underdog due to his size disadvantage at lightweight and the grappling pedigree of the 155-pound king.
Meanwhile, the 31-year-old Russian has stated that he’s not overlooking the reigning featherweight champion.
Check out Alexander Volkanovski’s comments about smacking Islam Makhachev below:
Islam Makhachev says he can’t underestimate Alexander Volkanovski
There have been a couple of times when Islam Makhachev has disrespected Alexander Volkanovski’s skills. This includes his comments about Australia not having any wrestling. With that said, Makhachev sat down with Brett Okamoto for his ESPN interview and clarified that he’s not overlooking Volkanovski because of the size difference:
“I cannot underestimate him because he’s small. He is the best fighter right now. He’s number one right now, but I really believe all my skills like striking and grappling, wrestling – that’s why I told you I want to knock him out because I know I can do this… This is my dream. I’m going to look for that.”
Makhachev has a four-inch height advantage over his UFC 284 opponent. Yet, most people don’t realize that Volkanovski has a one-inch reach advantage. The primary concern for ’The Great’ comes from the lightweight champion’s absurd strength, which has been an issue for his opponents.
However, the reigning featherweight champion believes he can use his speed and striking advantage to become a two-division UFC champion.