Ariel Helwani isn’t underestimating Alexander Volkanovski in opposition to Islam Makahchev.

Regardless of being the quantity one-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Volkanovski is a 4-1 betting underdog heading into UFC 284. ‘The Nice’ is shifting up from featherweight to light-weight, main some individuals to suppose he would possibly battle with Makhachev’s dimension.

Throughout an episode of The Ringer MMA Present, Helwani had this to say in regards to the UFC 284 primary occasion:

“You realize I don’t prefer to make the picks. There’s a Leon Edwards like part to all of this. I really feel one thing in my bones. If there’s one man I don’t really feel snug counting out, it’s Volkanovski. He’s good, sturdy, sturdy, barely reveals weak point. We noticed him in a compromised place as soon as…”

Helwani concluded by saying:

“He doesn’t stop, his ego by no means will get the most effective of him. He by no means will get loopy, he by no means strays away from no matter recreation plan they’ve. He’s simply rock strong, proper? He is simply so freaking sturdy and reliable. I really feel very uncomfortable simply dismissing him like so many others are.”

There’s additionally hypothesis about Volkanovski doubtlessly battling Makhachev’s elite grappling abilities. In the meantime, ‘The Nice’ has a number of methods he can discover success in opposition to the Russian. The P4P king may have a pace and hanging benefit, which might pay dividends if he can hold the battle standing.

Watch Ariel Helwani advocate for Alexander Volkanovski under:

Ariel Helwani believes Islam Makhachev doesn’t want Khabib Nurmagomedov in his nook

Khabib Nuramgomedov introduced he could be spending much less time teaching to give attention to his household. Because of this, ‘The Eagle’ gained’t be in Islam Makhachev’s nook at UFC 284. Though there have been issues about Nurmagomedov’s absence affecting Makhachev in opposition to Alexander Volkanovski, Ariel Helwani doesn’t imagine so. He had this to say:

“Actually, I do not [think this changes anything]. It helps to have Khabib, nevertheless it seems like Islam is nearer to a completed product than Umar or Usman Nurmagomedov. These guys could undergo when he isn’t round. If [Makhachev] loses, it will not be as a result of Khabib wasn’t there.”

On February 11, Volkanovski and Makhachev will decide the primary pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. There was some mild trash discuss between the 2 world champions, however the one factor that issues is what occurs contained in the RAC Enviornment in Perth, Australia.