Alexander Volkanovski questions Islam Makhachev's resume ahead of UFC 284
There will be plenty on the line when Alexander Volkanovski challenges Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 284 this weekend. The featherweight champion, whose status as the promotion's No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter will be on the line, questioned his opponent's resume.
Speaking at the media day for UFC 284, Volkanovski was asked if he believes Makhachev is the second-best fighter in the world, responding:
"This isn't up to us. People can ask me, 'if you go and take him out, are you going to be the greatest ever', that's not up to us. Do I think I had a harder path to pound-for-pound and all that? Yeah. Look at my resume. Do I believe he is as good as the No.1 pound-for-pound? Yeah. Or No.2 pound-for-pound? Yeah, for sure."
The featherweight champion continued:
"I believe he definitely deserves to be up here. He's a great fighter. I mean, you probably look at the resumes, it's still a good resume, but it's probably not as good and as deep as some of ours, but at the same time when it comes to skill, he's definitely right up there."
Islam Makhachev has received plenty of criticism for his path to the lightweight title, however, he proved that his talent outweighs his resume. The No.2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter has accused his fellow lightweights of ducking him prior to him becoming the champion.
Watch Alexander Volkanovski's comments on Islam Makhachev below (starting at the 1:50 mark):
Islam Makhachev claims Alexander Volkanovski has nothing to lose while declaring himself best mixed martial artist
Islam Makhachev has an opportunity to become the UFC's No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter at UFC 284, however, he already considers himself the best fighter in mixed martial arts. Speaking at the media day ahead of UFC 284, the lightweight champion made the declaration while claiming Alexander Volkanovski has nothing to lose, stating:
"I know I'm the best fighter, best MMA fighter because I have all skills. Striking, wrestling, grappling, I am the best MMA fighter I believe... For him, it's a good fight. What's he going to lose? Belt? Nothing. He just comes to the fight, make money, but after that fight he can step [back into] his division and be the champion. He's not losing much on this fight."
Although Makhachev may believe his opponent has nothing to lose, Volkanovski has plenty to gain as he looks to become the fifth double champ in UFC history.
Watch Islam Makhachev's full comments below (starting at the 1:28 mark):