Watch: Alexander Volkanovski foils same takedown attempt from Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 which Khabib Nurmagomedov used on Conor McGregor
An Instagram user with the handle @kenank_tv put out a video of Alexander Volkanovski foiling a takedown attempt by Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. Next to the clip, the user also attached another of a similar sequence that happened between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229.
The sequence in question happened in the fifth round of Makhachev vs. Volkanovski where the Dagestani fighter shot for a single, with Volkanovski countering it with what is known as a switch, followed by cutting the corner. This particular counter by the featherweight champion forced the lightweight champion into what is known as a 'crackdown' position in wrestling.
Check out @kenank_tv's video below:
After putting Makhachev in the crackdown position, Alexander Volkanovski switched to a crotch-lock grip to keep Makhachev's head weighted and pinned to the mat. To prevent Islam Makhachev from transitioning to a double-leg takedown, 'Volk' needed to expose his near (left) ankle, which the Dagestani successfully hid to try and posture up.
Volkanovski managed to drive him back to the ground by stuffing Islam Makhachev's head. He also used a butterfly hook to create an angle and stepped over Makhachev's left ankle to create an opening to back-mount.
Alexander Volkanovski reveals what he said during mid-fight trash talk to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 (@DamonMartin) mmafighting.com/2023/2/12/2359… https://t.co/1tlmmxXRZl
The sequence was eerily similar to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor's exchange at UFC 229, except that it happened in the first round when both fighters were fresh.
As soon as the fight card was wrapped up, a user with the handle @magicman.13 uploaded the same sequence with a detailed explanation for each move. The user even referred to the UFC 229 sequence between Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at the end.
Did Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski underestimate each others' strengths and weaknesses?
It's safe to assume that Islam Makhachev underestimated Alexander Volkanovski's takedown defense, scrambling ability, and grappling in general prior to their bout at UFC 284. The lightweight champion took a dig at Volkanovski's (and Australia's) wrestling in an interview on ESPN MMA with Daniel Cormier.
However, Volkanovski surprised Makhachev with his ability to get back up after being taken down and his submission defense. Here's what Makhachev said in his post-fight speech:
"This [guy, Volkanovski] is [a] short and hard opponent. Thank you, Alex, thank you. It was [a] very good fight. Many things happened before the fight, but I [needed a] tough fight. I have to improve."
Check out Islam Makhachev's post-fight interview below:
Many speculated that Volkanovski would overwhelm Makhachev on the feet. In fact, Alexander Volkanovski landed 70 significant strikes, more than Makhachev's preceding five opponents combined. However, Islam Makhachev held his own in striking exchanges and even tagged the featherweight champion on numerous occasions.
Alexander Volkanovski said the following in his post-fight speech:
"Well, obviously he didn't respect my wrestling [and] grappling. And, I guess maybe I didn't respect his striking enough either because he landed some shots. So, fair play to both of us."