Former UFC lightweight champion details factors that will affect Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski are set to headline UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, this weekend for the lightweight championship.

Experts have cited the grappling abilities of both fighters as a deciding factor in the upcoming championship bout. Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez presented his analysis in response to an Instagram video of the two champions preparing with their respective trainers at a recent open workout.

The video pointed out the difference in striking pads used by both fighters. Interestingly, Eddie Alvarez emphasized the gap in grappling skills between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev, where the latter has a significant advantage.

Alvarez also mentioned how Makhachev will endure a more strenuous weight cut than Volkanovski, which he claimed could prove to be a crucial factor. 'The Underground King' commented under the video:

"One guy is dry and cutting and one guy isn’t , it means Everything !!! And neither guys Stand up striking will make any difference in this fight . The gap between grappling is To wide . Volk has to stay lateral , use his feet and throw a million jabs and straight crosses in and out flawlessly to get this done ."

Check out a screenshot of Alvarez's reply to @freak.mma's Instagram post below:

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Eddie Alvarez's reply to @freak.mma's Instagram post. [via Instagram @ealvarezfight]

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Islam Makhachev reveals his motivation ahead of his first lightweight title defense against Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev's long wait for a lightweight title ended at UFC 280 when he went up against Charles Oliveira. The Dagestani fighter laid to rest all doubts about his abilities and the pedigree of his past opponents when he submitted the Brazilian in the second round.

However, the convincing win was followed up by an ambitious bid for the pound-for-pound number one spot currently held by featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski over a title defense against one of the many lightweight contenders.

Makhachev explained his motivation ahead of UFC 284 in an interview with former teammate and friend, Daniel Cormier:

"For me it's more than just a defense. I am fighting for something new, for pound-for-pound. Just [a title] defense is not the same [level] of motivation... I will be motivated [to fight the lightweight contenders] but now I have a new goal, you know? To be the pound-for-pound king. Like [Daniel Cormier], Khabib [Nurmagomedov]."

Catch Islam Makhachev's comments below:

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