Chael Sonnen says Alexander Volkanovski beating Islam Makhachev isn't the biggest upset of the century
Alexander Volkanovski is gearing up to go head-to-head against Islam Makhachev in a highly anticipated super fight scheduled for UFC 284 on February 12. The two champions will face each other for the lightweight title as well as the pound-for-pound (P4P) No.1-rank.
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Citing Makhachev's dominant rise to the top of the division and his impressive title-winning submission victory over a jiu-jitsu savant Charles Oliveira, many have wondered about the immense significance of Volkanovski potentially stopping his run.
However, Chael Sonnen doesn't share the same thoughts and finds the debate about whether 'The Great' potentially beating Makhachev will be the biggest upset of the past century to be "annoying." Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen claimed:
"No. Of course not. Alexander Volkanovski is No.1-ranked and Islam is No.5-ranked. You have to turn to the P4P list. That's the only list both guys are on... Volkanovski who's never lost, Volkanovski who's ranked higher... How would that be shocking news? If Volkanovski gets beat... any element of that fight that goes against Volk will be something that's never happened before."
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While the reigning featherweight and lightweight champions have both suffered only one loss in their entire careers, Islam Makhachev opens up as the favorite over Alexander Volkanovski.
In his last octagon outing, the Dagestan native defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to become the undisputed lightweight champion. Volkanovski, on the other hand, secured his fourth title defense with a decisive victory over Max Holloway in his last fight at UFC 276.
Michael Chandler says Alexander Volkanovski could "squeak out" a decision win against Islam Makhachev
Michael Chandler recently stated that he believes Alexander Volkanovski has what it takes to edge past Islam Makhachev to win via decision in their upcoming bout at UFC 284.
'The Great' and Khabib Nurmagomedov's protege will go up against each other in a lightweight matchup on February 12 to find out who leaves the octagon with the 155-pound strap and is crowned the P4P king.
In what has certainly proven to be one of the most anticipated matchups in the UFC, many within the MMA sphere have debated the possible outcome of the fight between the two reigning champions.
While many have pointed out that Volkanovski is at a height and size disadvantage, 'Iron' has backed Alexander Volkanovski to win. Speaking to MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn, Chandler gave his take on the lightweight title fight and his prediction.
"I’m a huge Alexander Volkanovski fan... I do think Volkanovski is going to do better than we all think he does. In the striking department, Volkanovski is better than him. I think in the speed and power department, Volkanovski is better than him... I think Volkanovski might actually squeak out a decision."
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