UFC 284: Islam Makhachev vs. Aleksandar Volkanovski Preview, Odds, Predictions

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski highlight the fantastic UFC 284 this Saturday in Perth, Australia. The two champions of their respective divisions, Islam in lightweight and Volk in featherweight, decided to meet to see who is a better fighter. Right now, Islam is No.2 in the pound-for-pound rankings, while Volkanovski keeps the top spot. The Aussie has been there for quite some time, and to be honest, he is the most dominant fighter in the organization.

Preview

Islam Makhachev (23-1, -375) won the title against Charles Oliveira at the UFC 280 with a dominant victory over Do Bronx, who was stunned by Islam’s strength and power. In the end, Makhachev submitted the champ, who was helpless in his grip.

This was his 11th consecutive victory, with the only loss ever coming against Adriano Martins. At the time, Makhachev was young and inexperienced but became one of the best and most dominant guys in the UFC after that. Many would say that he doesn’t have too many impressive names in his biography, but the way he handled Oliveira covers that up.

Islam is a very powerful and strong fighter, for many, much more talented and better than Khabib. Even though he doesn’t look impressive, we are more than sure Makhachev’s strength is by far the biggest among lightweights. What allows him to dominate over his opponents is fantastic cardio, and that’s why he easily wrestles his way toward victory. 

Alexander Volkanovski (+290) has 22 triumphs in a row. That’s right, you’ve read it well. Volk is arguably the biggest featherweight, maybe even better than Jose Aldo, whom he defeated previously. The Aussie successfully defended his belt four times following a triumph over Max Holloway, whom he dethroned. 

It was twice against Holloway and also, versus the Korean Zombie and Brian Ortega. In Volk’s most recent success over Blessed, we saw him completely adapting to Holloway’s style, ripping him apart with his own weapon, boxing and a more or less pure fistfight. 

Movement and fantastic anticipation usually make a difference in his battles because Volk is unbelievably fast. Besides, Aussie’s explosiveness and bursts are unstoppable, both on the ground and in stand-up, so it is no wonder we couldn’t see anyone stopping him until this point. We also need to add an excellent tactical gameplan and the adaptability he shows inside the ring.  

Prediction

On one side, we have power and stubbornness; on the other, we have explosiveness and strength. Islam is a guy who wants to impose his own tempo and pace, and he isn’t as adjustable as Volkanovski. There is not a shred of doubt in his intention to take down Volk and try to beat him on the mat, but there is one catch, which would be Volk’s solid takedown defense and speed. We don’t know how strong Islam’s chin is, and the reason for that would be his previous experience. On the other side, Volkanovski’s punch absorption was tested properly against the top names in the division. Solely because of this, we give a slight edge to the underdog, Volk, and we bet on his victory.

Pick: Alexader Volkanovski