UFC 284: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski preview and prediction
Who will be the lightweight champion after UFC 284? Islam Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski?
The UFC heads down under again on Saturday, Feb. 11 with UFC 284, live from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The main event is perhaps one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history, as No.1 pound-for-pound king and featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (25-1) looks to become just the fifth UFC fighter ever to be crowned champ-champ when he takes on the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (23-1).
Makhachev is certain to climb up to the No. 1 pound-for-pound spot with a victory. Currently riding an 11-fight win streak, actively the second longest in the promotion, the lightweight champion is looking to continue the legacy of his coach and close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov when he defends his title for the very first time. While many had their doubts if Makhachev even deserved a title shot back in October, his dominant victory over former champion Charles Oliveira ensured that the comments made by him and his team were legit. Makhachev really is the best 155-pounder in the world.
In front of him stands the man ahead in both the pound-for-pound list and the longest active winning streak. Volkanovski enters the fight with a 12-fight win streak, with names such as Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega and Max Holloway (three times!) falling victim to the champion, who will be fighting in his home country. Volkanovski aims to make it 13 straight with a victory over the lightweight division’s boogeyman, however, a victory would do more than just extend his streak. It can propel him into the greatest of all-time conversation, with Volkanovski’s name flirting with the list ever since he dominated Holloway for a third time.
With reputations, records, and potential G.O.A.T. status on the line, it is no surprise to see that UFC 284’s main event is one for the ages.
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski prediction
With both men occupying the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on the pound-for-pound list, it is easy to see how this could be one of the best showings of mixed martial arts we have ever seen. Both have shown steady improvement in each fight, cementing their place as the best the UFC has to offer by simply improving at a rate that makes it impossible for their peers to catch up.
Volkanovski has the speed advantage. The manner in which he can dissect his opponents, either with faints, leg kicks or quick boxing combinations, gives him a wide array of weapons to use and his grappling is very underrated. Whilst these all make him a great fighter, what makes him elite is his heart and tenacity. The third round he faced against Ortega proves it. He’s been in the deepest of waters and yet, has found a way to come back and win fights.
Of course, Makhachev is a different type of opponent.
A man who often makes other 155-pounders look small, Makhachev has practically rag-dolled every opponent he has faced. Despite not having nearly as elite of a resume as his adversary, Makhachev showed that his sambo, as well as his sneaky high-level kickboxing, can force any opponent to quit. Just ask former lightweight champion Oliveira. He is much more well-rounded than people like to give him credit for and has even promised to knock Volkanovski out.
To make a prediction for a fight that has so much at stake, and between the two best mixed martial artists in the world, is not an easy task. Saying that, we just don’t see how Volkanovski handles Makhachev’s clear-size advantage. Makhachev has shown time and time again that he is one of the UFC’s best grapplers and wrestlers, and if he can do what he did to the UFC’s submission wins record holder in Oliveira, it’s hard to see how he can’t do it to a featherweight. As much as Volkanovski has proven that he is the sport’s No. 1 fighter, and he’ll have the crowd on his side, Makhachev will be much too big for him to handle.
Prediction: Makhachev by submission (Round 3)
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