Islam Makhachev's path to 1st round victory against Alexander Volkanovski revealed by former UFC fighter

Islam Makhachev is set to defend his UFC lightweight title for the first time against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 next weekend. The Dagestani fighter heads into the fight a -300 favorite and is confident that he will outclass 'The Great' come fight night.

Dan Hardy, a former UFC title challenger and current MMA analyst, recently broke down the matchup. He stated that the likelihood of Makhachev securing a takedown on Volkanovski is high, and if the lightweight champion is able to take the Australian challenger down in the first round, he could target a submission.

Hardy pointed out that a submission will be easier for Islam Makhachev to secure if both fighters are dry, which is only likely in the first round. 'The Outlaw' also suggested that the Dagestani employ the strategy he used in his impressive first-round submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC 267:

"Volkanovski is going to have to work out of bad positions I expect. I think he's going to get taken down if Makhachev wants to put him on the floor. If it hits the floor, Makhachev is going to beat him up to the point where he starts looking for submissions. But if they hit the floor early enough in the first round and they're dry, he must just try to Dan Hooker it and just get him out of there early."

Watch the video below:

It couldn't end in the first round... could it? 🤔

Who will come out as the #UFC Lightweight champion and the official pound-for-pound best between Islam Makhachev 🆚 Alex Volkanovski? 🏆

Watch the @danhardymma #UFC284 Breakdown Show LIVE on YouTube now ▶️ https://t.co/q9e6o2MMxj

Islam Makhachev fought Dan Hooker on short notice at UFC 267, after his original opponent Rafael dos Anjos withdrew from the contest due to injury.

Makhachev was able to secure a kimura submission in the first round of the fight. The lightweight champion has won his last five fights via stoppage, four by submission.

Watch Makhachev vs. Hooker below:

Islam Makhachev is disappointed with the lack of promotional hype around UFC 284

Islam Makhachev will make his first title defense against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. 'The Great' is attempting to become a two-division champion, while Makhachev has the opportunity to overtake Volkanovski as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.

Makhachev recently voiced his displeasure with the promotion and company president Dana White over the lack of coverage and build-up to such a momentous event. He said in an interview with RSport Russia:

"I see that it is not such big promotion. Dana White himself has some problems; he does not pay much attention to this fight. In terms of pay-per-view, yes, more could have been done." [Translated via MMA Junkie]

See the post below:

Islam Makhachev isn't feeling the promotional hype around his champ-vs-champ fight.

#UFC284 | More: bit.ly/3Ht3lCE https://t.co/6wnAYH9k6v

The UFC has done world tours in the past as a way to create hype for a fight, with the Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo rivalry a notable example of the promotional power of the organization.