The result of Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev will depend on this one thing, says coach
Alexander Volkanovski's coach Frank Hickman recently detailed the featherweight king's training camp for Islam Makhachev. 'The Great' is set to face Makhachev at UFC 284 for the lightweight belt on home turf next year.
While Volkanovski is currently the underdog heading into the much-anticipated first title defense for the Russian, Hickman believes 'The Great' has the tools to beat Makhachev.
During a recent YouTube video posted on Volkanovski's official YouTube channel, the coach stated:
"Like anyone else, Islam has his strengths and weaknesses, we obviously know where he is very good at, and we know where we are good at. So, in this game you wanna impose your strategy without letting him get off too much of his strategy, that's the name of the game."
Frank Hickman went on to state an area of Alexander Volkanovski's style that is better than Islam Makhachev's:
"Styles make fights, and these are two completely different styles, so it's gonna be good. I think 'Volk' does a better job of mixing everything and that's what we are going for."
Watch Hickman speak about Volkanovski's training here (1:30):
Islam Makhachev is currently on a 11-fight winning streak in the UFC and recently defeated Charles Oliveira to lift the lightweight belt for the first time.
Makhachev easily dispatched the Brazilian in the second round at UFC 280 and looks like a formidable opponent for Alexander Volkanovski to face next year.
However, Volkanovski has also only ever been beaten once during his entire MMA career, with Corey Nelson getting the better of 'The Great' way back in 2013. So, it's likely the Australian will be full of confidence heading into the UFC 284 headliner.
Watch Makhachev secure the UFC lightweight crown here:
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski: Height, reach, weight, and UFC record comparison
As mentioned, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski are set to face each other next year at UFC 284. Makhachev is a staggering 10 cm taller than 'The Great,' with the Russian standing at 178 cm.
However, it's the featherweight king who has the advantage when it comes to reach. Volkanovski has a reach of 182cm, which is 3cm longer than the Dagestani's.
The tables turn when it comes to weight, with Makhachev a natural 155 lbs competitor and Volkanovski having to put on weight in order to compete in the lightweight division.
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Both fighters have impressive UFC records, but only Alexander Volkanovski has a flawless record in the organization. Islam Makhachev has a UFC record of 12 wins and one loss, with Volkanovski winning all 12 of his UFC outings.