Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284

ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI FACTS

When is UFC 284? Sunday 12 February, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC 284? RAC Arena, Perth (Australia)

Where can I get tickets for UFC 284?

What channel is UFC 284 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC 284? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI LOWDOWN

Islam Makhachev (23-1) gets his wish and makes the first defence of his lightweight crown against the featherweight champion. It is clearly not his lightweight run that has earnt him this super fight as Charles Oliveira (2022) is the only top ranked fighter he has beat. It is his sheer prowess and how easily he cut through the Brazilian who was on one of the best streaks we had seen in the UFC. He hurt him on the feet and submitted the submission record holder in the first round.

Alexander Volkanovski (25-1) confidently steps up to challenge the feared 155er and is even more happy to do so on home soil. He is currently sitting proudly on the most impressive featherweight streak we have seen in the UFC. He beat Chad Mendes (2018) and Jose Aldo (2019) before dethroning Max Holloway (2019) and beating him twice more (2020 and 2022) sandwiching wins over Brian Ortega (2021) and the Korean Zombie (2022).

ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI PREDICTION

Volkanovski has been proving people wrong ever since he stepped foot inside the octagon and there is a strong case to say he is the best featherweight of all time. He deserves this super fight, but Makhachev is a different animal to anyone he has come across before.

He is the best grappler in the lightweight division, and he is a bigger and more powerful man. Volkanovski is used to giving up a lot of size but not power and Makhachev has a clear advantage here amplified by his elite technique.

The Aussie will boast a clear speed and striking advantage and will actually have an inch in reach over Makhachev. However, that will count for nothing when he is on his back. We expect Makhachev to land a takedown easily but he will have to work hard to keep Volkanovski down. He is slippery and is exceptional at springing back to his feet.

However, we do not feel that will be enough. Volkanovski’s best chance is to hope Makhachev has the ego to stand or survive the first two rounds and hope he gasses so he can finish stronger and pinch three rounds which he is certainly capable of with his cardio.

Volkanovski will begin by chopping the lead right leg and popping his jab while constantly moving and bouncing out of range. However, Makhachev has the ability to exchange and cause damage with his kicks which will make his takedowns even harder to defend.

The longer the lightweight champ can keep Volkanovski down, the more likely it is that he will find a submission. The Aussie somehow defended two deep submission attempts from Brian Ortega who has some of the best jiu-jitsu on the entire roster, but the Russian has the ability to grind him down throughout the fight where a submission will eventually open itself up.

Prediction: Makhachev via Submission -

Value bet: Makhachev via Submission