Alexander Volkanovski does not buy that Islam Makhachev will take the 'unnecessary risk' of trying to KO him

Islam Makhachev has claimed that he will look to knock out Alexander Volkanovski in order to quiet those who doubt his striking ability. The featherweight champion, however, is not buying those claims leading up to UFC 284.

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@MakhachevMMA takes on @AlexVolkanovski in the #UFC284 main event!

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Speaking at the UFC 284 media day, the No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter stated:

"He doesn't take unnecessary risks. That's the proper way of doing it. He does it - we all know what they're good at and what they want to do. They're calculated in that sense. Not a lot of people - obviously, you're seeing some people say that he can strike, it's underrated, but then you're seeing a lot of people that say it's not good, but I mean it is calculated."

Alexander Volkanovski was then asked about the lightweight champion's plans to knock him out, responding:

"He's a very calculated fighter. He doesn't take unnecessary risks. Him coming there looking for a knock out, that's an unnecessary risk. He won't be doing that."

While Volkanovski's only career loss came via knockout, it was all the way back in 2013 when he was competing as a welterweight. The featherweight champion has not fought at lightweight since his UFC debut in 2016, however, he is undefeated in four career fights at 155 pounds. He will look to become just the fifth double champ in UFC history at UFC 284.

Watch Alexander Volkanovski's full comments below (starting at the 3:05 mark):

Islam Makhachev claims that it is his 'dream' to knockout Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev has developed a reputation as an elite wrestler. However, he believes that has caused his striking to be overlooked. Speaking to Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA, the lightweight champion revealed that he is hoping to knockout Alexander Volkanovski, stating:

"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 noted that his coach, Javier Mendez, wants him to look for an easy victory. He added that while he hopes for a knockout, he won't be pursuing one the whole fight and if he has an opportunity to finish Volkanovski on the ground, he will take it.

Watch Islam Makhachev discuss his plans for UFC 284 below (starting at the 1:57 mark):