UFC 284 Preview & Prediction: Makhachev vs Volkanovski

UFC 284 Preview & Prediction: Makhachev vs Volkanovski

By Cathal Geeney

The UFC returns to Perth, Australia this weekend for the first time since October 2019. An electric atmosphere is to be expected as fans will cheer on their fellow countryman, Alexander Volkanovski, who takes on Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title.

Volkanovski is currently the number one ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC and is looking to take the step to lightweight to become a two-weight class champion. The Australian is not the most naturally talented fighter in the organisation. Volkanovski looks to his insatiable work ethic and constant appetite to get better. The reigning featherweight champion is undefeated in his twelve UFC appearances and has made four consecutive title defences. He is constantly developing his striking and can fluently mix in his wrestling to his offence, providing an incredibly well rounded fighter.

While Volkanovski is significantly shorter than his opponent, standing at 5ft 6 he will be giving up a four-inch height advantage, he actually has a one-inch reach advantage. The short, stocky build of the challenger could help defend against the many takedown attempts of Islam. He will also look to his jab to keep the distance. The thirty-four-year-old has one of the highest fight IQs in the game. He is always looking to find ways to improve, both in between fights, and also during fights. There is no better example of this then his second bout with Max Holloway where he was clearly two rounds down on the scorecards and seemed to be in trouble, but yet managed to swing the momentum and take a decision victory to retain his belt by making the necessary adjustments.

In Islam Makhachev, Volk will likely face his toughest test yet. The reigning, defending lightweight champion is a tenacious grappler with proven cardio. He will look to get this bout to the canvas at all costs. The variety of takedowns in Islam’s arsenal is very impressive. Expect to see some eye-catching trips from the clinch position.

And once he gets top position, he has proven to be lethal, securing stoppage victories in each of his last five appearances. The 2016 Sambo World Champion has an incredible ability to control his opponent almost immediately when the fight hits the canvas and work for a submission from there. He demonstrated this against both Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker.  

Fighting from a southpaw stance, he will throw some feints and jabs, while attacking with the left high kick, but this will primarily serve to close the distance for a takedown. Although his striking is not his primary means of offence, he demonstrated in his last outing against Charles Oliveira that he can cause problems with his hands. It was a straight left that got the fight to the mat where Islam then submitted Oliveira.

This is sure to be a fascinating fight. The grappling skills of Makhachev are some of the best in the world. It is highly likely that Volkanovski ends up on his back at some point during this contest. The question is whether he will be able to find a way to get back to his feet and out strike the Russian.

Prediction:

This is a very unique fight as we get to see the UFC pound-for-pound number one take on the pound-for-pound number two. This is a fight to cherish and I, for one, am ecstatic to see how this it plays out. Islam is the significant favourite and deservedly so. Not only is undefeated in his last eleven outings, but he has hardly been tested in this run. In addition to this, he is the more natural lightweight and has much more experience competing at this weight class.

For Volkanovski, he will need to fight the takedown attempts and keep Islam on the back foot with his striking and pressure. Neither fighter appears to slow down generally, so it’s going to be very interesting to see how their cardio holds up. Particularly for Volkanovski as it is a very different challenge to go five rounds when you are dictating the pace as to when you are being pushed to wrestle and defend takedowns consistently, as may well be the case on Saturday night.

This is a tough one to call, but I believe Volkanovski has the tools to cause an upset. His mindset is so strong, I believe he will enter the octagon believing that he can win and will do everything he can to make that vision a reality.

Photo Credit: Zuffa/UFC