UFC 284 Makhachev vs Volkanovski: UFC News: Featherweight titlist Alexander Volkanovski is a +335 betting underdog against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev ahead of their UFC 284-main event clash in Perth. Volkanovski, a 5’6” tall champion, will move up to 155 lbs for the challenge, aiming to become the fifth UFC ‘champ-champ’. Follow UFC News Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Alexander Volkanovski has been on a tear in the 145 lbs category, where he has scored 12 wins in the UFC so far. However, Volkanovski’s lightweight debut will arguably be his toughest challenge. Akin to Volkanovski, Makhachev has lost only once as a professional fighter and is fresh off a win over Charles Oliveira.
Besides, Makhachev shall relish legitimate height and reach an advantage over Alexander Volkanovski. Experts and odd makes have dominantly backed Islam Makhachev to retain his lightweight belt against Alexander Volkanovski. However, there are several ways that can help the Aussie grab the UFC lightweight crown. Here’s a look at them.
Alexander Volkanovski should go for a 1st round KO against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284
Alexander Volkanovski is heavy-handed and one of the most technically smart fighters on the entire UFC roster. He can use his pace and cause serious damage by landing clean shots on Islam Makhachev. Meanwhile, Volkanovski’s short range should urge him to fight from inside, which means he can be the aggressor in the opening round.
Also, since Islam Makhachev’s only MMA loss has happened via first-round KO, Alexander Volkanovski can try to implement the same at the main event of UFC 284. It will be a demanding task to do but can be a smart way to beat Makhachev.
UFC 284: Islam Makhachev’s wrestling skills should be taken care of
Alexander Volkanovski cannot underestimate Makhachev’s wrestling abilities while pressing for his own moves. Makhachev can take down and hurt his opponent from anywhere. Although Volkanovski has never lost a fight on the ground, he cannot sleep on the UFC lightweight champion.
UFC 284: 5 ways Alexander Volkanovski can beat Islam Makhachev
Taking care of Islam’s ground game can also be a great match for Volkanovski’s mental state. It will definitely force Islam Makhachev to apply a different game plan and that will validate Volkanovski’s dominance in the bout.
Alexander Volkanovski can use his boxing moves to tackle Makhachev
Islam Makhachev has an unorthodox striking style and can never be ruled out even if he is on his feet. But that doesn’t make him a great boxer. In a proper boxing matchup, Alexander Volkanovski can be dominant over Makhachev. Although that wouldn’t be the case in their MMA fight, Volkanovski can still force his opponent to stay on his feet.
If Volkanovski can defend Islam Makhachev’s takedown, he can use boxing combinations and slick jabs to hurt the lightweight champion. Even though Makhachev can respond with his own shots, it will be risky for him to get into a fist fight with ‘The GREAT’.
Alexander Volkanovski’s leg kicks can be lethal for Islam Makhachev
The use of inside and outside leg kicks has seen a steep rise in the recent timeline. Although UFC veterans like Jose Aldo, Mirko Cro Cop, and several others have been using the technique for years, the mainstream fight community has begun to accept it now.
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That said, Volkanovski has one of the most vicious legal kicks at the moment. Islam Makhachev should be very careful about it. If Volkanovski can kick down the UFC lightweight champion in the first two rounds, it can be extremely alarming for Makhachev.
Will the Australian home crowd help Alexander Volkanovski against Islam Makhachev?
The fight will take place in Australia, Alexander Volkanovski’s home country. Hence, ‘The GREAT’ shall get a lot of support from the crowd. Although it doesn’t seem to play a major role in the fight, the crowd can still get beneath the skin of Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev seems composed and determined ahead of his first title defense. He may not be bothered about the crowd, but that doesn’t mean that Volkanovski’s fans cannot influence the fighters’ mindset.
Do you think Alexander Volkanovski can beat Islam Makhachev at UFC 284?
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