"Has the ability to put on significant weight and maintain athleticism" - Fans debate if Alexander Volkanovski's style would be a nightmare for Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev will put his newly acquired lightweight belt on the line against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. The main event bout will take place in Volkanovski's home country of Australia in Perth next year.
The matchup will pit the No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter against the No.2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. Fans on Reddit debated on how the matchup between the two will play out stylistically.
One fan posted that 'Volk' might be a "nightmare" for Makhachev.
"Idk if I’m the only one but I feel Volk’s style is a nightmare for Islam to deal with."
Other fans listed the featherweight champion's virtues but maintained that Makhachev is far superior as a wrestler.
"Extremely well rounded, excellent defense, low center of gravity, solid resume, has the ability to put on significant weight and maintain athleticism. He's got a solid chance, hard to bet against Islam though. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think he has faced a wrestler/grappler with the style and ability of Islam eh?"
Some listed Alexander Volkanovski's fight IQ to be a potential difference-maker in the upcoming fight.
"He’s one of the smartest fighters we’ve seen in this sport. His in-fight IQ is absurd sometimes."
However, many others heavily favored the Dagestani champion and dismissed any chance of a win for his Australian counterpart. Fans cited the physical advantage as key for Islam Makhachev, along with his superior ability on the canvas.
"Nope. He'll get taken down easily and submitted within a round"
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Alexander Volkanovski is a tougher fight for Islam Makhachev than Charles Oliveira
Islam Makhachev's coach and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov resonated with the fans' views that Alexander Volkanovski will prove to be a tough opponent.
In his most recent public appearance in Toronto for Class A Events, Nurmagomedov admitted to telling Makhachev the same prior to his UFC 280 title fight against Charles Oliveira.
'The Eagle' did, however, maintain that regardless of the threat that 'The Great' poses, his team and Islam Makhachev are aiming to finish Volkanovski at UFC 284:
“I told Islam like even before last fight with Charles Oliveira, I told him, ‘Volkanovski is gonna be tougher than Charles Oliveira. Of course experience – Charles and Volkanovski, they have the same. They both have good experience. But if you talk about fighting IQ and big heart, I think Volkanovski’s better than him. I think Volkanovski is gonna be tougher opponent for Islam than Charles Oliveira. But, anyways, who cares? We’re gonna finish this guy.” [h/t MMA Junkie]
Catch Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below: