Alexander Volkanovski heads into a true legacy-defining UFC 284 title fight vs. Islam Makhachev
Alexander Volkanovski has done it all at featherweight. Can history repeat itself in lightweight construction?
The 34-year-old Australian joined the UFC in 2016 and has overtaken every challenger he has faced. He beat Chad Mendes; pushed featherweight GOAT Jose Aldo to the limit; dismantled Brian Ortega and decimated The Korean Zombie. Not only that, Volkanovski is 3-0 up against Max Holloway. While one of the victories was questionable, Volkanovski systematically broke the “Blessed” several times.
Since losing his fourth career fight, The Great has been just that. He’s won 22 straight. The current UFC Featherweight Champion is the UFC’s pound-for-pound king in the men’s rankings. His dominance is otherworldly, similar to the man Volkanovski shares his nickname with in “Alexander the Great.”
Volkanovski’s legacy is set at 145 pounds. You can’t deny that. What would it mean if he went up to 155 and beat the dangerous Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 on February 11?
MORE: Sign in to watch the UFC 284 PPV exclusively on ESPN+
The match between the number one and two UFC fighters will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Volkanovski is the hero of his hometown and will try to fulfill his promise of becoming a two-division champion in front of a crowd of more than 15,000. If he does, he’ll only be the fifth fighter in the UFC to do it.
Despite having the will of the people on his side and the skills to support it, Volkanovski is the outsider. According to Bet MGM, Makhachev is the -375 favorite while Volkanovski is the +290 underdog.
Makhachev viciously beat fighters. Volkanovski believes he can defy all odds and prove how different he is as an animal.
“…There are a lot of people out there that are fighting one-dimensionally. But I’m not,” Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia. “I proved it. And what about the strike department? Shooting me will be very different for Islam. He has never fought with anyone with my movement.
“And I’m not just moving. I’m calculated There are reasons for my movement. So you make a wrong move, try a lazy takedown, and I’ll make you pay for it. How about that? People don’t talk about that. They talk about the fight between David and Goliath because that’s all they see. And that’s okay, let them talk. let me be the outsider It will all add to my legacy.”
MORE: UFC 284 betting: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Volkanovski wants to remain active (win or lose) after this fight. He may face the winner of the co-main event, which is an interim title match between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett. If he holds both titles by the end of UFC 284, Volkanovski can do whatever his heart desires at that point. He will literally hold all the cards.
Don’t take it the wrong way, this is a real superfight between two of the best in the UFC. That makes things all the more interesting, especially in the case of Volkanovski.
MORE: Ranking of all UFC PPV events taking place in Australia
If Volkanovski gets his double-winner at UFC 284, the history books will look kindly on his impressive run. If he doesn’t win, he can still dominate his current division. Nothing will change; Things will continue as usual for the challenger. There would be nothing else to prove, he will just have an empty shoulder.
On the other hand, MMA can be a cruel and unforgiving sport as wins and losses can make or break interest in a fighter. What do you think of Volkanovski after UFC 284, win or lose?