UFC 284 Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2/11/2023 Free Picks, Tips and Game Forecast
The UFC will showcase two of its biggest stars when Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champion, and Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion, headline UFC 283 in Perth, Australia on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The stakes are high for both fighters, as Makhachev looks to defend his lightweight title, while Volkanovski seeks to maintain his status as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.
Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov challenged Volkanovski to the match following UFC 280, a fight Volkanovski had been pursuing for months. With Volkanovski moving up to the lightweight division, the featherweight division will see a new champion crowned. Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett will vie for the interim featherweight title in the co-main event. Rodriguez is a knockout artist, fresh off a TKO victory over Brian Ortega, while Emmett has made a name for himself with his power and resilience, most recently defeating Calvin Kattar.
The stage is set for an electrifying battle between the lightweight king, Islam Makhachev, and the featherweight ruler, Alexander Volkanovski, as they vie for the title of the “Pound-for-Pound No. 1”. The fight was sparked at UFC 280 where Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira, as Volkanovski looked on from the sidelines. Following the fight, the two engaged in a war of words and a fight was soon to be made.
UFC 284 Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2/11/2023 Free Picks, Tips and Game Forecast
Despite the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who helped Makhachev claim his first title, the Russian fighter is the favorite to come out on top and has been a formidable force since his only defeat, developing into a vastly improved fighter. The UFC 284 pay-per-view is still over a week away, but it’s already shaping up to be a highly-anticipated affair. When two reigning champions face off in the Octagon, it’s always a big deal, but this bout takes it to a new level. Volkanovski (25-1) is considered the top fighter by most pound-for-pound rankings, while Makhachev (23-1) is considered a top-5 fighter, listed as No. 3 by the UFC.
Alexander Volkanovski may not be known for his flashy striking style, but don’t be deceived. He possesses some of the most effective striking in the UFC, and his power and precision make him a formidable opponent. His striking statistics speak for themselves, as he averages almost 7 significant strikes per minute and lands 57% of the significant strikes he throws. These numbers have translated to exciting finishes against the likes of “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung and Chad Mendes, and to dominant decision victories over Brian Ortega and Max Holloway.
Islam Makhachev is a skilled striker in his own right, with some even crediting him as a better striker than his mentor, former pound-for-pound king Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, it’s worth noting that Nurmagomedov was never known for his striking, and Makhachev’s striking success is often due to his takedown threat. Despite this, Makhachev’s striking ability cannot be overlooked, particularly after his title-winning punch that set up his submission victory over Charles Oliveira. While he is a solid striker, he falls short in comparison to the dominant striking of Alexander Volkanovski.
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski. The skill sets of Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski are set to collide in a highly anticipated match-up. Makhachev, a submission specialist, has proved to be one of the most dangerous submission threats in the lightweight division, with 10 wins to his name via sub against top competition. On the other hand,
Volkanovski may be a more well-rounded fighter, but has only won three of his 25 victories via submission. When it comes down to the fight, Volkanovski’s technical advantages may not play as big of a role as one would expect, as he will be at a physical disadvantage. This bout will serve as a classic example of a skilled fighter facing a bigger and stronger opponent. Although Volkanovski may have his moments, Makhachev’s size and strength are likely to be the deciding factor in this match-up, securing him a five-round victory.
Prediction: Makhachev wins by unanimous decision
UFC 284
- Date: February 11, 2023
- Location: RAC Arena — Perth, Australia
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET (Main card)
- How to watch: ESPN+ PPV
