After the successful UFC 283 event, the UFC will be back with a bang on February 11. For the second consecutive month, UFC will travel abroad for a PPV as the event takes place in Perth, Australia. The event will feature the first super fight of the year as Islam Makhachev takes on Alexander Volkanovski. The fight is going to provide Volkanovski the opportunity to become a UFC double champ.
However, the task is monumental and according to some fans and pundits, near impossible. The most basic reason for it is the height and reach difference between the two. On top of that, Makhachev is also on a dream run, where he has won 11 fights in a row. So fans are betting on Islam to make his first successful title defense come February.
Two title fights. Two weeks. 🏆 #UFC284 is right around the corner! pic.twitter.com/FRz1N0uqrz
— UFC (@ufc) January 28, 2023
But the notion has seemingly ticked off the current featherweight champ. During a recent interaction with Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel, “FREESTYLEBENDER,” Alex mentioned his take on the matter. Alexander The Great has the feeling that Makhachev may just be looking past him. However, he promises to change Islam’s mind as soon as they’re locked inside the Octagon.
Alexander Volkanovski himself is on a 12-fight winning streak in the promotion. So ruling out his chances completely will not be ideal. So what is the most likely path to victory for the Aussie? Coach Firas Zahabi has the answer!
Firas Zahabi reveals how Alexander Volkanovski can beat Islam Makhachev
For fans who are unaware, Firas Zahabi is an MMA coach who runs Tristar Gym. He has worked with the likes of Johnny Walker, Kevin Lee, and most notably, the former UFC two-division champ Georges St-Pierre. He was a big part of GSP’s amazing success in the UFC. He is one of the sharpest brains in the sport and is known for his immaculate breakdowns.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Firas Zahabi provided his take on the fight. According to the Canadian coach, Volkanovski is a big underdog. He thinks Makhachev has the advantage everywhere in the bout and Alex will struggle with Islam’s dominant wrestling. But, there is a way for Alex to come out top.
Zahabi added, “What are ways that Volkanovski can win? Not by top game control, not by submission, not by KO. He only has one path to victory. What is that path? Out-point Makhachev. And, we’re talking about the minimum.”
“What is the minimum? If he can out-point him, three to two, three rounds to two, that would be the minimum. That’s the lowest bar. Can he do the lowest, can you get past the lowest bar? If the answer is yes, we’ll then he’s got a shot to win.”
Although he thinks out-pointing the Dagestani is Alex’s best road to success, Firas Zahabi is unsure if Alex can do so. Zahabi once again reverted back to Islam’s grappling credentials and added that one takedown may be enough to finish Alexander Volkanovski on the ground. But Firas did mention that Volk has the better overall striking. However, he also called out Alex’s lack of finishing abilities in his past few fights.
The return to Australia doesn't get bigger than this 🤯🤯🤯
— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) January 27, 2023
🏆 @MakhachevMMA vs @AlexVolkanovski PLUS @PanteraUFC vs @JoshEmmettUFC! 🏆
📺📱 #UFC284 | Feb 12 | Live on PPV! pic.twitter.com/h9MTAwmAT9
How do you see the fight playing out? Do you think Alexander Volkanovski can shock the world and beat Islam Makhachev at UFC 284? Let us know in the comments down below.
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