Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski at UF 284
Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski at UF 284
This is the most significant bout in the past year and even more. Why? Well, both of these guys are not only the champions of their divisions but are currently ranked first and second in the pound-for-pound rankings. So, besides the belts, the No.1 P4P place is at stake. Volk will move up from featherweight to lightweight, and even though many see this as a bit unfair battle due to Islam’s weight and division advantage, others simply don’t see that as a potential minus for Volkanovski.
Makhachev
The way Islam dominated Charles Oliveria was impressive. We knew that Makhachev has abnormal power for his division, but on the other side, we were stunned by how easily he defeated the champion at the time.
Right now, Islam is on an 11-match winning streak, and his MMA record is 24 bouts, 23 wins, and only one loss, which was in his second UFC appearance against Adriano Martins. After that, his rise began, and over the years, Makhachev beat Tibau, Lentz, Tsarukyan, Dober, Moises, Hooker, and Oliveira.
His cardio is near perfect. Besides that, Makhachev has unreal power for one lightweight, and we can easily compare him with Khabib in that aspect of the fight. Wrestling is his primary weapon, and once he gets ahold of the rival or puts him on his back, that would be it.
Volkanovski
Alex the Great is one of the greatest featherweights of all time, and he is the reason one legend like Max Holloway faded away. The Aussie has twice as many consecutive wins as the Russian, currently sitting at 22. His latest victory was over Holloway in the trilogy finale, where he once again won via unanimous decision.
He holds three wins over the Blessed and also defended the belt vs. Ortega, Chan-Sung Jung. Before that, Volk posted triumphs over Aldo, Mendes, Elkins, Burgos, etc, and when looking at the overall CV, his bio is more impressive than Makhachev’s.
Volkanovski is also an elite wrestler; only he is much much quicker and more explosive than Makhachev. But it needs to be added that his boxing skills are at a higher level than Islam’s. We saw that against Holloway, who eventually ate more damage in stand-up than in any other way inside the octagon.
This will be a close one, but after thinking and analyzing every aspect of the fight, our pick would be Makhachev to win. The primary reason for this is his power. He is much stronger than he looks, and the proof is how he handled Oliveira, one of the most endurable guys in the UFC.
Our verdict: Makhachev wins