Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovsky are set to square off at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia this weekend for the lightweight championship.
Experts have cited the grappling abilities of both fighters as the deciding factor in the upcoming championship bout. Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez offered his analysis in response to an Instagram video of two champions preparing with their respective trainers in a recent open workout.
The video shows the difference in the striking pads used by both fighters. Interestingly, Eddie Alvarez emphasized the difference in grappling skills between Alexander Volkanovsky and Islam Makhachev, where the latter has a significant advantage.
Alvarez also mentioned how Makhachev would endure a more drastic weight cut than Volkanovsky, which he claimed could prove to be a significant factor. ‘The Underground King’ commented below the video:
“A man dry and cut and not a man means everything!!! Nor standing will make any difference in this fight. The gap between the melee is wide. Volk has to flank, his to use and throw a million shots and straight crosses in and out flawlessly to accomplish this.”
Islam Makhachev Reveals His Inspiration Ahead Of His First Lightweight Title Defense Against Alexander Volkanovsky
Islam Makhachev’s long wait for the lightweight title came to an end at UFC 280 when he went up against Charles Oliveira. The Dagestani fighter dispelled all doubts about his abilities and the pedigree of his previous opponents when he stunned the Brazilian in the second round.
However, the solid victory was followed by an ambitious bid for the pound-for-pound number one spot, which is currently held by featherweight king Alexander Volkanovsky, to defend the title against one of several lightweight contenders.
Makhachev explained his motivation in an interview with former teammate and friend Daniel Cormier before UFC 284:
“For me, it’s more than just a defense. I’m fighting pound-for-pound to try something new. Just [a title] defense is not the same [level] of motivation … I’m motivated [to fight] [lightweight contender] but now I have a new goal, you know? To be the pound-for-pound king. [Daniel Cormier], like Khabib [Nurmagomedov].”