Islam Makhachev's former foe, who gave him arguably his hardest fight, believes Alexander Volkanovski will be a challenge for the Dagestani
UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan believes Alexander Volkanovski will pose a serious threat to Islam Makhachev's championship status.
Despite Makhachev losing his second UFC bout via KO to Adriano Martins, Arman Tsarukyan is considered to be the only fighter to have truly tested the Russian fighter's grit in the octagon.
The pair went toe-to-toe at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019 in what was Tsarukyan's UFC debut. The bout was a highly entertaining affair that demonstrated both fighters' striking, grappling and wrestling.
Makhachev won the fight via unanimous decision, but both men walked away with a Fight of the Night bonus.
Just rewatched Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan and that fight was fantastic.
The wrestling was ridiculously high level. That’s a fight they got to run back in the future for sure.
https://t.co/9MTt62Gypv
In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Tsarukyan weighed in on the upcoming lightweight title bout. According to the 26-year-old, 'The Great' will be a big challenge, but he expects Makhachev to get the job done:
"I think Volkanovski is going to give him a tough fight because Volkanovski knows striking, wrestling, he's tough, his cardio is good and he has a lot of experience. I think for Islam, it's a very big challenge. My opinion, though, Islam is going to win."
Watch the interview here:
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski has been brewing for some time after the featherweight champion made it known he was looking to challenge himself in a higher division.
Following Islam Makhachev's victory over Charles Olvieria at UFC 280, 'The Great' was invited into the octagon as the pair faced-off and laid out their challenge for UFC 284.
Tai Tuivasa on Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa recently weighed in on his countryman Alexander Volkanovski's chances against lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.
'Bam Bam' sat down with Fox Sports Australia to give his take on UFC 284's main event next year. The heavyweight contender expects Alexander Volkanovski to deliver the best performance of his career to date:
"Yeah, well obviously, that's going to be a really hard fight and I think it's going to be a great main fight for Australia. And I think Volk is just gonna show different sides, Volk just keeps getting better. So, I don't really know what to say about Volk. He just impresses you every time he fights. So I think that you know, with the big challenge ahead of him, he's gonna come and he's gonna rock up."
Tuivasa also explained the advantages that fighting in Perth, Australia, will give 'The Great':
"Especially, it's gonna be at home, in front of everyone. So, it's going to be a hard day for Islam and it's definitely going to be a hard fight for Volk, as well. And I'll be p*ssed in the crowd and I'll be watching, cheering on. So yeah, it's a win-win for me."
Catch the full interview here: