Alexander Volkanovski's coach reacts to Khabib Nurmagomedov predicting dominant win for Islam Makhachev at UFC 284
Alexander Volkanovski's coach Joe Lopez reacted to Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments regarding the upcoming superfight between Volkanovski and reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
During his appearance on Submission Radio, Lopez addressed the former lightweight champion's comments that the fight will be one-sided. He mentioned that despite Makhachev's abilities, he is still beatable.
He said:
"We're not taking Islam {Makhachev} lightly. You know, he's a formidable opponent, he's got great wrestling. Looking at his things, everybody's beatable but again, I don't look too much into anything because you could say one thing. The game can change." {35:08 - 35:35}
Lopez added that 'The Great' has looked excellent during his training camp, but they aren't taking the lightweight champion lightly. He mentioned that he's expecting a great fight and his pupil to become a two-division UFC champion, saying:
"The way Alex {Volkanovski} is training at the moment and the guys he's training with and he's holding his own or even dominating some of those guys. Yeah, it's scary stuff. Islam {Makhachev}, he's a great opponent and everything else but so is Alex...I'm not taking him lightly like I never take anyone lightly, but, I think we're gonna get out hand raised in the end." {35:39 - 36:10}
The bout is very intriguing, especially considering the featherweight champion's performances since winning the title from Max Holloway at UFC 245. The pressure is on Makhachev, who makes his first lightweight title defense and will be doing so in 'The Great' home country, which raises the stakes.
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Alexander Volkanovski not bothered by Islam Makhahev referring to his height
Alexander Volkanovski isn't bothered at all by Islam Makhachev or other opponents referring to his height in an attempt at getting under his skin.
In a video that was recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, the UFC reigning featherweight champion spoke about opponents referring to his height, which Makhachev did when calling him to the octagon following his lightweight title win at UFC 280. He mentioned that all the perceptions about him change when his opponents are in the octagon with him.
'The Great' said:
"Everyone thinks I'm short. Then I punch them in the face and then next minute their face changes real quick when I'm in front. Whatever, yeah I'm short, I know I am. I'm the champ. I'm doing good and I'm gonna keep this winning streak going, and I'm gonna show him {Makhachev} what short people could do." {0:21 - 0:35}