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Alexander Volkanovski Reveals Game Plan for Islam Makhachev

James Herrick / UFC / February 2, 2023

Alexander Volkanovski Reveals Game Plan for Islam Makhachev

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is attempting to make history at UFC 284 as he challenges Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. Due to Makhachev’s outstanding grappling, Volkanovski will have a tough task on his hands, but he has a plan.

“Once I get straight back up (from being taken down), pop you in the face, that’s when (he and his team are) going to start getting uncomfortable,” Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia.
Quote via TheScore

This is the best game plan that Volkanovksi can come up with. In theory, it is simple. Get up after you get taken down, and land punches while you are standing. That is not breaking news. Although, it is much easier said than done. Especially, when you are fighting Makhachev.

If Volkanovski is able to get that first portion of the game plan going, he is hoping to turn Makhachev into a desperate, panic wrestler.

“I feel like them being so uncomfortable on the feet, and getting desperate for takedowns, and then not being as successful as they originally planned, I feel like that’s where he’s going to start losing his head – him and his corner.”
Quote via TheScore

If Volkanovski is able to find success defending Makhachev’s wrestling, he will be in good shape. Despite being at a grappling disadvantage, Volkanovski is far better at striking than Makhachev. The key will be to keep the fight standing and deal massive amounts of damage.

“I need to capitalize when I’m on the feet,” Volkanovski said. “If he gets me down (and) I get back up, I need to put hands on him. I need to capitalize. I need to win the rounds or put him to sleep. And I’m going to be putting hands on him and trying to find that chin and find it hard.”
Quote via TheScore

Let’s be honest. This all sounds great, but it is not easy to do. I think Volkanovski is one of the best strikers in the world and can do bad things to Makhachev when the fight is standing. However, having to defend against Makhachev’s grappling is a daunting task. If Volkanovski can manage to do that, I will give him all the credit in the world.

How Long Can Islam Makhachev Rule the Lightweight Division?

Only time will tell if Volkanovski’s UFC 284 game plan for Makhachev will play out in his favor. His head is in the right place, but does he have the skills to pull it off?

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