The UFC featherweight champion, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski, is hard at work preparing to take on the greatest challenge of his career. He is set to face Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, in pursuit of a second title, with Volkvanovski taking to his YouTube channel to claim that he is bulking up and “stronger than ever”.
“Islam’s strong. Islam’s going to be ready. But I guarantee you, mark my words, I’m going to be ready. I’m going to be more than ready. I’m going to be fit, I’m going to be stronger than ever. I’m already filling up. I’m already holding more muscle than I originally did in my last few fights. I’m already stronger, significantly stronger.
“Stronger Than Ever” Volkanovski Prepared for “Calculated Striking” From Makhachev
When I’m telling you 2023 is gonna be the biggest year of my whole career, my legacy. This is the defining year. 2023, it starts off with taking out Islam. Big opportunity to not only be great, but to be one of the greatest. So, that’s what I’m coming for.”
Volkanovski is also very prepared for some serious striking from the Dagestani camp, as he discussed in a recent episode of Michael Bisping’s Believe You Me podcast. Makhachev’s greatest weapon in his career thus far has been his prodigious grappling ability, while Volkanovski’s striking has helped him maintain an undefeated streak at featherweight.
“He’s definitely gonna mix it up. They’re not a silly camp. Even when they are striking, they’re very defensive, aware and their approach is always for their game.
You won’t see like, crazy kickboxing striking, but everything’s calculated and the way they approach everything, it’s pretty defensive. There’s always a safe net and a way to work their shots from there or clinching and things like that.
They don’t take unnecessary risks on the feet. But again, you know, I’m pretty clever on the feet and I’m not the type to just stand in front of someone. So obviously, they’re gonna be aware of that.”
While Islam Makhachev will ride an eleven-fight winning streak into the bout, Volkanovski’s record is impressive in and of itself. Volkanovski has never lost a fight at featherweight, and his sole pro loss came in 2013, when Volkanovski was still a welterweight. Volkanovski has not lost a single one of his 22 fights since, and clearly does not plan on breaking that streak when he faces Islam Makhachev.
Which way do you see the lightweight title fight at UFC 284 going? Let us know in the comments.
