Published 02/09/2023, 2:50 PM EST
The clash between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski is one to go down in the history books. Many notable UFC fighters will be present at UFC 284 to witness the top two pound-for-pound fighters going head-to-head. Many feel Makhachev might get the victory. However, Israel Adesanya has a different take on the situation.
‘The Last Stylebender’ is already in Australia to witness the biggest fight of 2023 till now. The 33-year-old hasn’t fought inside the octagon since UFC 281 against Alex Pereira, which he lost. It was only his second loss in Dana White‘s promotion. However, Adesanya is gearing up to face ‘Poatan’ in a rematch at UFC 287.
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The New Zealand fighter recently appeared in an interview on ‘TheMacLife’ YouTube channel. They asked him about his upcoming rematch against Pereira, among many other things. However, he also made an assessment of the UFC 284 main event.
Adesanya thinks Islam Makhachev cannot go past the third round
Israel Adesanya praised Makhachev‘s ground game but doesn’t believe that the current UFC lightweight champion can go all the way to the championship round. He said, “I don’t think Islam is going past round three.” Adesanya added, “Everyone wants to be champion till you got to train for five rounds.”
‘The Last Stylebender’ mentioned that he respected Islam Makhachev and the fighters from Dagestan for their amazing fighting record. However, his money is on Alexander Volkanovski. “I know they do the work,” said Adesanya. he added, “All respect to the dynasty but respect to our dynasty as well, this side of the world. So they’re gonna find out.”
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Israel Adesanya has showered his support for his Oceanic UFC comrade, ‘The Great’ Volkanovski, on many occasions. The former middleweight champion once made an appearance on comedian Andrew Schulz’s podcast, ‘Flagrant’. He discussed his history with the no.1 pound-for-pound fighter and stated that Volkanovski was a “crafty veteran.” He even said that he’d bet his whole house on the Aussie champion.
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia celebrates during his post fight press conference after his win against Brian Ortega in their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Alexander Volkanovski will be up for the biggest challenge in his UFC career. The featherweight champion had beaten the most notable names in his division, including Max Holloway. However, Islam Makhachev believes that Volkanovski made a mistake after coming into the lightweight division. We will find out what happens on February 11.
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What do you think will win the tag of the best pound-for-pound fighter? Drop your comments below.
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