Former UFC middleweight champion, Michael Bisping is confident that size won’t matter when Alexander Volkanovski faces Islam Makhachev.
In the world of MMA a lot of fans are suggesting that the difference in size between Volkanovski and Makhachev will play a big factor in their upcoming bout. Originally fighting at 145, Volk has never been considered a big featherweight. Meaning his move up to lightweight has definitely raised some concerns about how he will perform in a bigger division.
Bisping Backs Volkanovski’s Chances
The hall of fame inductee gave his opinion on the fight via his YouTube channel. He believes those counting out Volk are being narrow-minded. When you break the fight down you realise it is a lot closer than people think.
“Islam’s the bigger guy. 5’10” vs. 5’6″. He’s more than likely, in his opinion, going to be stronger because he looks at Volkanovski as the smaller man, but Volkanovski used to weigh 220 pounds. Volkanovski is only jumping up 10 pounds. His body naturally wants to be bigger, and if you speak to him, he says that right now he is a brick wall, and he’s feeling twice as strong as what he ever has done.”
“If this fight stays on the feet, I favour Volkanovski. Number one, he has a longer reach even though he’s the smaller guy. Listen, the guy beat Max Holloway on the feet three times. He’s got better footwork, he’s slicker, probably better head movement, he’s well on balance, and of course, he’s going to be stronger at 155.”
Quotes via ‘Bisping’ YouTube Channel.
Bisping makes some really interesting points. He’s going to be bigger which means he will be stronger and have a lot more power. As he stated, if it stays on the feet he favours Volkanovski. Over 5 rounds Volk’s stand-up is going to be crucial if he wants to be victorious.
Chasing Legacy At UFC 284
UFC 284 is a real clash of the titans. A matchup that doesn’t come across often in combat sports. The pound-for-pound No.1 going up against the No.2 pound-for-pound is every fan’s dream. Taking place in Australia it will be Makhachev that travels to the challengers’ backyard. This isn’t an issue for the Dagestani fighter however, it’s opportunities like these which can cement his UFC legacy.
As for Volkanovski, this is the chance of a lifetime. To become double champ in front of your home fans and beat one of the most feared fighters in UFC history would be a fairytale night for the P4P No.1.
The former semi-pro rugby player only started training MMA when he was 22 years old. Whereas Islam has been studying and competing in MMA since a very early age. This could well play a factor in the bout though ‘The Great’ is not short of experience when it comes to 5 round title fights. Having beaten Max Holloway for the featherweight strap back in 2019 he has since gone on to defend his belt four times. Two of those being against Holloway completing their trilogy. When it comes to experience in the big moments, Volk trumps Makhachev.
Makhachev will be looking to take Volkanovski down early. Using his size and strength he’ll want to impose his Sambo skills on the Australian and get a quick finish. Equally, this is where Volk’s height and size could do him a favour when trying to scramble to his feet. Usually, it is harder to keep a small yet strong guy on the floor. Especially when you consider how good his defence on the ground is when it was heavily tested by Brian Ortega.
As Bisping stated if the fight stays on the feet it is Volkanovski’s fight to lose. However, if he does get taken down it will be a huge test of his skill to see if he can get back up.
On February 11, arguably the highest-skilled UFC fight of the year will determine who really is the pound-for-pound king inside the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
