Early preview & prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Alex Volkanovski

What could happen if Alex Volkanovski really fought Islam Makhachev. 

The RAC Arena located in Perth, Australia will be the host city for UFC 284 and it is now rumored that Australia’s very own, Alex Volkanovski (25-1) will headline the fight card against the new lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev (23-1). On Saturday night, Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira via arm triangle in round two, and during his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier he called out the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter, and he would like his first defense and the pound-for-pound ranking up for grabs.

Volkanovski is the featherweight champion with four title defenses and would like to add to his legacy by becoming a double champ. He currently rides a 12-fight winning streak since joining the UFC in 2016, but overall has won his last 22 fights with his only defeat coming over nine years ago. On Saturday he served as the backup fighter for the lightweight championship but his services were not needed since Makhachev and Oliveira successfully made weight.

Makhachev, as the new lightweight champion plans to follow in his coach and friend’s footsteps, Khabib Nurmagomedov, by attempting to become the No. 1 fighter in the promotion. With his UFC 280 win, Makhachev extended his winning streak to 11 and has finished his last five opponents. Much criticism was given to Makhachev for the title shot due to the lack of contenders he’s faced, but on Saturday he displayed dominance in his first real test and looks forward to ruining the homecoming aspirations for Volkanovski.

Who would win if Alexander Volkanovski fought Islam Makhachev? 

Volkanovski is one of the more talented strikers in the UFC and is known to have pretty good takedown defense and is a difficult person to submit. Considering it would be the first time he fights as a champion in his homeland, and the fourth time he represents the Australian flag in front of his people, a lot of pressure and expectation will be weighed upon his shoulders. Volkanovski won’t be an easy out and if he defeats Makhachev will be only the fifth fighter to accomplish the status of a UFC double champion.

Volkanovski is a magnificent counterpuncher with excellent footwork and head movement as his defense. In the span of 12 fights in the UFC he has only been taken down a handful of times and been controlled for a total of 5:31. Moving up a weight class has certain disadvantages and in this matchup against Makhachev he has a one-inch reach advantage but gives up four inches in height. The keys for Volkanovski are to press forward early by using his footwork to cut the distance and get within range to create damage and limit the takedowns, or manage a way to get back up to his feet once he’s being controlled.

Makhachev will continue to follow the vision of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, which has been coined as “Father’s plan”, and that is to become a champion and the best in the world. Many consider him to be Nurmagomedov’s protégé, based on the relationship, and with training partners such as  Nurmagomedov himself, Umar Nurmagomedov, Islam Mamedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, and others, he has strengthened his wrestling and grappling and developed a respectable stand-up game.

Makhachev in many of his recent fights has showcased absorbing minimal damage while striking and a complete mismatch for others on the ground when he decides to take you down. The latter seems to be the case for this future matchup since no one has yet to find an answer for the lightweight champion’s ground game. Early odds for the title fight have been released, and according to WynnBet and other sports betting bookies, Makhachev open up as a sizable favorite against Volkanovski.

Prediction: Makhachev via round 3 submission