What may occur if Alex Volkanovski actually fought Islam Makhachev.
The RAC Area positioned in Perth, Australia would be the host metropolis for UFC 284 and it’s now rumored that Australia’s very personal, Alex Volkanovski (25-1) will headline the combat card towards the new lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev (23-1). On Saturday evening, Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira by way of arm triangle in spherical two, and through his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier he known as out the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter, and he would really like his first protection and the pound-for-pound rating up for grabs.
Volkanovski is the featherweight champion with 4 title defenses and want to add to his legacy by turning into a double champ. He at the moment rides a 12-fight profitable streak since becoming a member of the UFC in 2016, however total has received his final 22 fights along with his solely defeat coming over 9 years in the past. On Saturday he served because the backup fighter for the light-weight championship however his providers weren’t wanted since Makhachev and Oliveira efficiently made weight.
Makhachev, as the brand new light-weight champion plans to comply with in his coach and buddy’s footsteps, Khabib Nurmagomedov, by making an attempt to grow to be the No. 1 fighter within the promotion. Together with his UFC 280 win, Makhachev prolonged his profitable streak to 11 and has completed his final 5 opponents. A lot criticism was given to Makhachev for the title shot because of the lack of contenders he’s confronted, however on Saturday he displayed dominance in his first actual check and appears ahead to ruining the homecoming aspirations for Volkanovski.
Who would win if Alexander Volkanovski fought Islam Makhachev?
Volkanovski is without doubt one of the extra gifted strikers within the UFC and is thought to have fairly good takedown protection and is a troublesome particular person to submit. Contemplating it could be the primary time he fights as a champion in his homeland, and the fourth time he represents the Australian flag in entrance of his individuals, plenty of stress and expectation can be weighed upon his shoulders. Volkanovski received’t be a simple out and if he defeats Makhachev can be solely the fifth fighter to perform the standing of a UFC double champion.
Volkanovski is a powerful counterpuncher with glorious footwork and head motion as his protection. Within the span of 12 fights within the UFC he has solely been taken down a handful of occasions and been managed for a complete of 5:31. Transferring up a weight class has sure disadvantages and on this matchup towards Makhachev he has a one-inch attain benefit however offers up 4 inches in top. The keys for Volkanovski are to press ahead early by utilizing his footwork to chop the gap and get inside vary to create injury and restrict the takedowns, or handle a option to get again as much as his ft as soon as he’s being managed.
Makhachev will proceed to comply with the imaginative and prescient of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, which has been coined as “Father’s plan”, and that’s to grow to be a champion and the most effective on the earth. Many think about him to be Nurmagomedov’s protégé, primarily based on the connection, and with coaching companions corresponding to Nurmagomedov himself, Umar Nurmagomedov, Islam Mamedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, and others, he has strengthened his wrestling and grappling and developed a decent stand-up recreation.
Makhachev in a lot of his current fights has showcased absorbing minimal injury whereas placing and an entire mismatch for others on the bottom when he decides to take you down. The latter appears to be the case for this future matchup since nobody has but to search out a solution for the light-weight champion’s floor recreation. Early odds for the title combat have been launched, and in keeping with WynnBet and different sports activities betting bookies, Makhachev open up as a large favourite towards Volkanovski.
Prediction: Makhachev by way of spherical 3 submission
