If they're afraid to fight him, he wins - Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira not calling out Alexander Volkanovski post-UFC 280 will be a victory for 'The Great', says Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen has come up with an interesting take regarding Alexander Volkanovski for UFC 280. According to 'The American Gangster', if Charles Oliveira or Islam Makhachev fail to call out 'The Great' for a fight post-UFC 280, it would be a win for the featherweight champion.
In a recent video, Sonnen said that Volkanovski was taking a significant risk by putting his pound-for-pound number-one ranking and undefeated UFC record on the line to pursue the lightweight title. So, according to Sonnen, if Oliveira or Makhachev do not call out Volkanovski, they're publicly acknowledging that they don't want to fight 'The Great':
"Now imagine if he [Alexander Volkanovski] doesn't get the opportunity. He sits in the front row. He was ready to take on either one of these two guys [Oliveira or Makhachev]. Those two guys get done and they do not call him out, imagine that.
That is not, 'Volk just had the rug pulled out.' That is not 'Volk just lost an opportunity.' That is, 'Volk just won'... If they're afraid to fight him or they don't call him out, publicly acknowledging that they don't want to fight," said Chael Sonnen.
Watch the full video below:
Alexander Volkanovski is officially the backup fighter for the UFC 280 main event. So, if either Oliveira or Makhachev fail to turn up to the octagon, the featherweight champion will take their place.
A comparison of the winning streaks of Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhachev
Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhahcev are all running through their competition in the UFC and are on impressive win streaks.
Volkanovski is undefeated in the UFC with a 12-fight win streak. This includes wins over big names like Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, Brian Ortega, Max Holloway, and 'The Korean Zombie'. During this run, The Great' also defended his belt successfully on four different occasions.
@alexvolkanovski A look at how the professional #MMA & #UFC careers of Alexander Volkanovski line up with that of Charles Oliveira & Islam Makhachev
22 bout win streak for Volkanovski
11 bout win streak for Oliveira
10 bout win streak for Makhachev
#NumbersByNate https://t.co/A4kFSt0Jwj
Charles Oliviera has won his last 11 fights in a row, and 10 out of those victories have been finishes. 'do Bronx' has defeated the likes of Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Justin Gaethje during this run.
Makhachev has also earned dominant victories over his last ten opponents. However, unlike Volkanovski or Oliviera, the Dagestani lacks big names on his resume but will get a chance to change that come October 23.