Published 02/11/2023, 3:15 PM EST
it.MMA fans are clearly familiar with UFC legend Chael Sonnen and his somewhat unique takes on fights and anything that has to do with the sport. Although there have been times his forecasts have fallen way off the mark, there’s no denying that the 45-year-old’s opinions are valued quite highly among fans. With UFC 284 just a few hours away, the former fighter has once again shared what he feels is the approach Alexander Volkanovski has to take if he wants to emerge victorious. Considering Sonnen‘s credentials as a wrestler and the fact that Islam Makhachev is expected to adopt a wrestling-heavy approach, his views here might just be what the Featherweight champ needs before the fight.
In his latest video, Sonnen shared what he believed the Australian needed to do after he eventually gets taken down. To add to those lines, the UFC Hall of Famer also discussed the idea of fighting off the back when fighters get taken down.
Chael Sonnen feels Alexander Volkanovski’s only chance is to scramble out of Islam Makhachev’s takedowns
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Talking about the age-old wrestling defense of scrambling out; Sonnen pointed out that it was the only way for Volkanovski to fight the Dagestani. But the 45-year-old also noted how that was exactly what led to exhaustion and a possible finish.
“Is he able to get him down a couple of times? Does he deal with the fatigue? One scramble will change you. Now that could be equal because you both went through it and you both get dropped. I’m just sharing with you we have seen guys reach exhaustion in that case just not be able to defend themselves, period.” stated Sonnen.
He then continued to put weight on scrambling out of takedowns: “How is Volkanovski going to do that? He can only do it one way, which is through a scramble. Doesn’t matter if you’re the one doing it, having it done to you. It must be on the in-between. There must be a scramble.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: (R-L) Islam Makhachev works for a submission against Drew Dober in their lightweight fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Assuming that Makhachev will rely more on his wrestling pedigree, what Sonnen suggests is definitely what ‘Volk’ needs to apply in the fight.
Sonnen on fighting off the back and why Alexander Volkanovski should avoid that all costs
Continuing his commentary on the topic, the former fighter also criticized the idea of fighters trying to attack from their backs.
“There is no one in this sport at Championship level, nobody that thinks they can win a fight from their back. There is not one guy.” He then continued to state that Volkanovski had to avoid doing that at all costs.
“If volk gets taken down, and he stays there, that is the sign for a fighter to the other fighter. Because only they will know that language and that sign is I’m overwhelmed and I’ve already felt it. I have already felt how this night is going overpowered to go. I am now in survival mode. I’m trying to get through this round and hopefully a couple of more.” Pointed Sonnen.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 25: (R-L) Alexander Volkanovski faces Brian Ortega in their UFC featherweight championship fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The American then reiterated the fact that Volkanovski had to continue scrambling and even create opportunities out of it.
“The only thing he can do when he gets taken down is scramble. He can turn that scramble into an escape, where he can turn it into a reversal. But the only thing he can do is scramble.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Sonnen then even states that once the Australian stopped scrambling, that would mean an end to his night.“If he ever quits scrambling, it means he was tired, he was, or he’s just not good enough.”
Although can ‘Volk’ continue escaping and countering Makhachev’s takedowns? That is something fans will find out only when the cage gets closed and the two fighters are face to face. Some would argue that the reported weight-cut complications could also help the Featherweight champ.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
What do you think of Sonnen’s opinion? Does it hold ground against Makhachev’s wrestling? Let us know in the comment section below.
Watch This Story: Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Reveals a Depressing Incident That Almost Led to the Retirement of the Great