UFC featherweight champion Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski is ready to play backup at UFC 280, but he’d prefer to watch the main event. Volkanovski shared his predictions for the big fight on his YouTube channel, backing Islam Makhachev to earn the UFC lightweight title.
“Obviously, I’ve been studying these guys so I sort of know how this will go and how I’ll approach it, but how is Charles gonna approach it? How is Islam gonna approach Charles?
Volkanovski Backs Makhachev to Beat Oliveira
We don’t know, but I think if I had to lean towards someone it would have to be Islam. No disrespect to Charles because Charles has proved himself, but I just think stylistically that’s maybe how I see it going. Either late finish, whether it’s kimura, armbar, arm triangle, that type of stuff, or decision. And obviously, if I need to step in, you never know. As I always say, you know I’m a safe bet.”
Volkanovski also echoed the thoughts of many MMA fans, baffled by Charles Oliveira’s position as underdog. Oliviera will ride an eleven-fight winning streak into the main event, and is, in all but name, a defending champion. He was stripped of the title for failing to make weight at UFC 274, but defeated Justin Gaethje on the night regardless.
“Charles is the underdog as the champion. He’s proven himself, obviously, but I can still see why he’s maybe the underdog. A lot of people think that’s disrespectful, I don’t think it is. I think maybe they’re just looking at Islam being able to control him, right?
To be honest, I think Islam’s control, the way he approaches grappling is all about control. Controlling the legs, controlling the hips, climbing, staying heavy, sticking him in certain positions, and then slowly going into better positions and grinding him out that way. [He] doesn’t make too many mistakes.”
Islam Makhachev, despite showing serious promise and dominance in his run to the title, has not yet been tested by elite opposition. He has not faced any fighter in the top 5, and Charles Oliveira will mark the greatest test yet of Makhachev’s ability. Oliveira currently holds the UFC record for most submissions as well as most finishes, and has spent much of the leadup to this fight declaring that he will extend that record early in the match against Islam Makhachev.
Do you agree with Volkanovski’s take? Let us know in the comments.
