Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski Predictions

Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips for UFC 294 Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
When: Saturday, October 21

The rematch of the UFC 284, and one of the best fights this year between the lightweight and the featherweight UFC champions, is on again. Though, it wasn’t supposed to be because the organization originally planned to see the battle between Mahkachev and the former lightweight champ, Charles Oliveira. The Brazilian had to withdraw due to a nasty cut a few weeks before the battle, and instead, Alexander Volkanovski gladly accepted to jump in. He craves to get even with the Russian who is the current No.1 pound-for-pound in the rankings.

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski Preview

Islam Makhachev

Islam is now the best pound-for-pound guy in the UFC, and he was supposed to confirm that against Oliveira. The last fight Russian had was against Volk, which he won via unanimous decision, extending his winning streak to 12 battles and recording the 24th victory in 25 octagon appearances.

Makhachev’s biggest weapon is his unreal cardio and extreme power for a lightweight division. The way he broke Oliveira’s defense was stunning because the Brazilian stands as one of the most endurable guys in the division. Makhachev simply shifted to a higher speed and rolled over Do Bronx.

Meanwhile, things were a bit different against Volk, where he slowed down in the final moments of the battle, allowing the Aussie to come back and impose his own style. Up to that point, Islam controlled the pace and gained an edge in the opening rounds, but he didn’t adjust well to Volk’s modifications.

Alexander Volkanovski

Volk used to be No.1 in the pound-for-pound rankings, but he lost that at the UFC 284. However, if the fight lasted for one or two rounds more, things wouldn’t have ended like they did. Volkanovski was increasing the pace, and his adjustments were perfect, forcing Islam to back down and, on certain occasions, delivering notable damage to the Russian.

The loss to Islam was the first after 22 straight wins for Volk, who recovered pretty fast, beating Yair Rodrigues in another successful UFC featherweight title defense. It was a TKO victory at 4:19 of the third round. And we don’t need to say that it was more than confident and routine.

Volkanovski is probably the fastest champion of all, and he will have the speed in that area. He is very versatile and knows how to defend and attack in both stand-up and on the ground. Though, he had less than two weeks to prepare for this event, because he accepted the proposal on short notice.

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Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski Predictions

Islam is the favorite, and we support that solely because he had more time to prepare. Volk’s desire to step into the ring without a thorough training camp is admirable, but he isn’t ready to beat Makhachev, who is at full speed.

Our verdict: Makhachev wins