In the Clinch: Can Volkanovski Make History? UFC 294 – When opportunity knocked at Alexander Volkanovski’s door, he could not let it pass him by.
Former champion Charles Oliveira pulled out of UFC 294 with an injury leaving lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (24-1-0), 31, without an opponent. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (26-2-0), 35, jumped at the chance to make history on 11 days short notice.
Can Volkanovski do it?
Even though Volkanovski is on short notice, the probable reality is that he has been training for this rematch since the first bout at UFC 274 in February. It’s a fight many fans still think he won, but a fight he admits he could have started earlier and done more.
Now, Makhachev has the home court in Abu Dhabi and you can bet his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov will be close by to take full advantage.
Makhachev hasn’t fought since the first bout, while Volkanovski unified the featherweight crown with Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in July. He was preparing for Oliveira, who is a different fighter than Alexander the Great, but he seems unfazed switching his focus to Volkanovski.
On paper, the advantage swings to Makhachev. He doesn’t have to come to Volkanovski because he knows Volkanovski has to come to him. It is imperative that Alex win the early rounds. Otherwise, it will be an uphill climb trying to overcome the judges in addition to Makhachev.
Expect Volkanovski to come out strong, minimizing any feeling out process and trying to soften up the lightweight king. It’s going to take every ounce of the cardio he is noted for, but he can do it. It’s just that Islam will be prepared to counter and get the fight to the ground.
Give these guys props for taking the fight. This is a reminder to the keyboard warriors what the UFC is actually about.
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Alexander Volkanovski
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