Alexander Volkanovski: Islam Makhachev only person I see giving me a tough fight for five rounds

Alexander Volkanovski is convinced that no one can trounce him in a five-round UFC fight.

Former five-time defending UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski ( 26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) was unbeaten for almost 10 years until he ran into lightweight champion Islam Makhachev ( 27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) at UFC 284. Volkanovski fell only quick in his pay for dual-champion standing when he was edged out by Makhachev in a dynamic fight.

Volkanovski returned to lightweight to cut a successful title defense against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, and jumped into a short-notice chance to fight Makhachev at UFC 294. But, Volkanovski wσund up getting knocked out in the fįrst roμnd. His return to 145 pounds was not successful this time, as he was dethroned by Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in another knock damage.

Outside of getting caught, Volkanovski thinks he has the skills to get toe-to-toe with anyone on the roster for five sessions – even outside of Makhachev.

&#8220, I don&#8217, t believe someone may beat me, &#8221, Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia. &#8220, The just man that I can see giving me a hard struggle for five sessions is an Islam Makhachev in the first one, as you &#8217, d seen. Everyone else has just got a puncher&#8217, s opportunity. That&#8217, s really how I always look at it. I really believe that, and that &#8217, s the trust I have in myself. No one can hit me. &#8221,

With featherweight champion Ilia Topuria relinquishing his title, Volkanovski and Diego Lopes ( 26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) will compete for the vacant title in the UFC 314 main event April 12 at Kaseya Center from Miami ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN/Disney+, ESPN+ ).

&#8220, They may find me, so I think he needs to be foolish to conquer me, &#8221, Volkanovski said. &#8220, If he tries to fight this great battle, it &#8217, s not going to work. He needs to try and be foolish and get me. That&#8217, s his best chance, but he&#8217, s going to do what we all know he&#8217, s going to do and what he&#8217, s been doing, which is exciting for the fans, but it opens a lot of doors for me. &#8230, ( There&#8217, s ) a lot I can capitalize and that I will capitalize on. &#8221,

This news first appeared on MMA Junkie. Read the original article here