Islam Makhachev planned on knocking Alexander Volkanovski out at UFC 284 this previous Saturday. However that plan modified after their battle began.
One of many essential storylines heading into the battle was how Volkanovski was going to take care of the ‘Dagestani wrestling’ Makhachev had dominated his earlier opponents with. The UFC featherweight champion was excited to unravel the unsolvable, however Makhachev cautioned him from solely specializing in wrestling. For the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) product, his placing was simply as harmful, which was why he deliberate on knocking the ‘Nice’ out.
Nevertheless, when Makhachev bought to the battle with Volkanovski, he realized how robust his opponent was. Actually, the Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé admitted he might have been too robust to knock out.
“Actually, I didn’t have a plan earlier than the battle to wrestle all 5 rounds as a result of I do know he’s shorter and I’ve a attain longer than him,” stated Makhachev in his post-fight press convention (video offered by MMA Fighting). That’s why I informed all of the media I’m going to attempt to knock him out. I landed many good punches, good knees, however this man is so robust. That’s why he was the perfect fighter on the earth earlier than. Not now, however earlier than.”
Although unable to get the knockout, Makhachev was capable of wobble Volkanovski in a few of their exchanges. That will have come as a shock to those that thought the Metropolis Kickboxing staple would have extra success in placing. And to his credit score, he did to a point, as he additionally wobbled Makhachev.
However to others, together with Makhachev, there was no motive to be shocked as a result of he knew his placing would pose a menace to Volkanovski.
“I all the time imagine [in] my placing,” stated Makhachev. “I’ve good abilities. I’ve good coaches in my crew: coach Javier [Mendez], coach Muhammad and all my corners. You understand, the perfect on the earth. I do know my abilities.
“That’s why I attempted to knock him out, however this man is so robust,” continued Makhachev. “I landed many good punches, many good knees however he’s nonetheless preventing. I give him large lower, however this man is an actual champion.”
Makhachev went on to defeat Volkanovski by unanimous resolution, retaining the UFC light-weight championship and notching his first profitable protection.
In regards to the creator: Kristen King is a author for Bloody Elbow. She has coated fight sports activities since 2016. (full bio)
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