As the UFC 284 fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev draws near, former UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo has offered his thoughts on the matchup. Cejudo’s prediction is particularly bold, considering that he expects the champion vs. champion megafight to be one-way traffic.
“There’s nothing that Alexander can do because of what the sport of wrestling has taught Islam,” Cejudo told Helen Yee in a recent interview.
“I competed in Dagestan. I’ve been humbled in Dagestan. I owe a lot of my success to Dagestan… Just imagine where Islam, where he comes from, and the lineage of Olympic champions and world champions; all these different disciplines in his country, in his city of Dagestan… He can get the best of the best.”
Cejudo acknowledges Volkanovski’s bravery, calling it “ballsy” for stepping up to lightweight to face Makhachev, but still believes that Makhachev will have an easy time in the Octagon.
The two champions will collide this Saturday, Feb. 11, in Perth, Australia. Fight fans back home in the United States can watch the entire UFC 284 event live by ordering the official UFC 284 PPV on ESPN+.
Makhachev has been on a winning streak of 11 straight fights and became the lightweight champion at UFC 280. He has four straight stoppage wins, including his second-round submission over Charles Oliveira to claim the title.
On the other hand, Volkanovski is a perfect 12-0 in the UFC and is riding an impressive 22-fight winning streak overall. He picked up his fourth successful featherweight title defense in July with a decisive victory over former champ Max Holloway. The 34-year-old Australian is considered one of the most complete fighters in the sport, with his tactics inside the Octagon making him a master of his craft.
This is a highly anticipated fight between the two top-ranked pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. Makhachev and Volkanovski are highly skilled, dynamic, and dangerous, making it a captivating matchup. As fans eagerly await to see the outcome of this fight, Cejudo’s thoughts serve as a reminder of just how high the stakes are in the Octagon.
Don’t miss out on the highly-anticipated Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski fight at UFC 284 this Saturday, Feb. 11. Order the PPV now to prepare for an exciting night of MMA action.