Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski is one of the most-anticipated fights of 2023. Not just because of the size difference between the two opponents, but also because both are UFC champions. The lightweight champ Islam Makhachev is a phenom on the ground. The Dagestani wrestling sensation submitted Charles Oliveira in his last fight at UFC 280.
Makhachev always looks to get rid of his opponents as soon as possible. Although grappling with Alexander Volkanovski seems to be the most probable and recommended path for Islam, he has other plans. Since the very beginning of the build-up to the fight, Makhachev stated his wish to knock Volkanovski out. Many pundits feel Alex is the better striker of the two.
Hence, Makhachev wants to beat the Aussie at his own specialty. However, it is something that his coaches and mentors, Javier Mendez and Khabib Nurmagomedov would not suggest. Fans remember Khabib guiding Islam to a submission win against Dan Hooker. It was as if “The Eagle” was controlling Makhachev’s every step. As a result, Khabib would not be too pleased to hear what Islam has to say.
Makhachev added, “This is my dream (knocking out Alexander Volkanovski). I’m gonna look for that because last fight, all fight week, I told media I want to choke my opponents because Charles (Oliveira) have most finishes in the UFC and what I did.”
Talking about potentially going against his coaches’ wishes, Makhachev said, “Coaches, Javier (Mendez) say choose easy way always, but we will see… I have to listen (to) coaches. But we will see when fight is beginning. But you know this is my (fight). I’m not gonna (go) looking for like knockout all fight if I have some chance to finish him in the ground. Why not? But my dream you know? I want to do this.”
So Alexander Volkanovski has his work cut out for him. Not only will the 34-year-old have to work on his wrestling, but Alex will now have to be wary of a potential knockout threat as well. Fans witnessed how easy it was for Makhachev to drop Charles Oliveira. So it will be interesting to see how Volkanovski deals with the two-dimensional threat.
Will Khabib Nurmagomedov corner Islam Makhchev at UFC 284?
UFC 284 will take place in Alexander Volkanovski’s home country Australia. The RAC Arena in Perth is expected to be a sell-out. Previously UFC President Dana White revealed that the event will create a new gate record for the events held in the land down under. Not just that, by the looks of it, the PPV may also become the first one to crack the 1 million buy benchmark in quite some time.
While the featherweight champ Alex will have the crowd with him, Makhachev will no doubt face a hostile environment when he walks out. But, for almost all of his fights, he had Khabib Nurmagomedov by his side. However, it does not look like Islam will have Khabib in his corner for this fight after Khabib’s decision to step back from the sport. Even Islam’s celebrity friend Hasbulla’s presence is also not guaranteed.
So how do you think Islam Makhachev will cope with the pressure at UFC 284? Let us know in the comments down below.