Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Get ready for a highly-anticipated matchup as two reigning champions, Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev, face off in UFC 284. With Volkanovski competing in Australia for the first time in five years and having the crowd’s support, he will be motivated to deliver a powerful performance. With a 22-fight winning streak and impressive striking power, “The Great” is a formidable opponent. However, Makhachev is no pushover and with a weight and height advantage, Makhachev’s ground game may prove to be the deciding factor.
Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC Featherweight Champion, is well-known for his striking ability and holds a 6.79 significant strikes per minute rate, higher than the UFC average of 3.41. He has defeated several top-notch fighters, including Brian Ortega, Jung Chan-sung, and Max Holloway thrice. However, he may have met his match with the UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski must not undervalue Makhachev’s striking prowess, as evidenced by his impressive 84 percent accuracy in total strikes against Oliveira.
On the other hand, Makhachev’s Sambo expertise and five-kilogram weight and ten-centimeter height advantage will give him the edge in the ground game. He will aim to neutralize Volkanovski’s striking advantage with early takedowns and submissions, given that four of his last five victories were by submission. Adding weight may also diminish Volkanovski’s primary weapon.
It’s the first time in five years that Volkanovski will be fighting in Australia, and also marks the eighth instance in UFC history where two reigning champions face off against each other. With a 11-win streak dating back to September 2016, Makhachev is a formidable opponent and will try to defend his UFC Lightweight Championship title successfully.
Volkanovski, on the other hand, enters the fight with a 22-win streak and victories against top fighters such as Max Holloway, Jose Aldo, The Korean Zombie, and Brian Ortega. Despite the size disparity, with Makhachev fighting at 155 pounds and Volkanovski at 145 pounds, Volkanovski’s technical skill and striking power may give him an edge. However, Makhachev’s wrestling expertise and size advantage could make it challenging for Volkanovski.
This fight is full of excitement and unpredictable outcomes, with both fighters having a real chance of victory. Volkanovski’s striking power and technical skill may give him an edge, but Makhachev’s wrestling and size advantage may prove to be the deciding factor. With both fighters being top-notch and highly skilled, this fight is not one to be missed. Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be an unforgettable matchup between two reigning champions.
Prediction
Makhachev’s best chance of winning this fight would be to take the fight to the ground and use his grappling skills to neutralize Volkanovski’s striking. On the other hand, if Volkanovski is able to keep the fight standing, he has a good chance of using his striking skills to win the fight.
Overall, it is a very close and competitive fight, and the outcome could be determined by the specific game plan each fighter employs and how well they are able to execute it. However, if I had to pick a winner, I would lean towards Alexander Volkanovski due to his excellent striking skills and toughness.
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