Imagine the ultimate showdown: a clash of titans where skill, strategy, and sheer will collide. That's what UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes is brewing if Islam Makhachev steps into the welterweight division to face Kamaru Usman. Volkanovski isn't just throwing out a casual prediction; he's highlighting what he sees as a potentially career-defining challenge for Makhachev.
Makhachev, fresh off his dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 where he secured his second UFC belt, has a host of hungry 170-pound contenders vying for a shot at his title. We're talking about guys like Michael Morales and Carlos Prates, both of whom delivered knockout performances at the same event, signaling their arrival as serious threats. But Makhachev's focus seems to be on a legacy fight, a battle against a former champion – Kamaru Usman.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about Usman's past accolades. Volkanovski argues that Usman's style presents a unique puzzle for Makhachev to solve.
"Islam is going to be a problem in that division," Volkanovski stated on his YouTube channel. He elaborates on the potential matchups, suggesting that Makhachev's grappling-heavy approach might not be a guaranteed path to victory against every welterweight. For instance, Volkanovski points out how Makhachev might immediately try to take down a striker like Morales. "I know Sean Brady did that, but I mean Islam's grabbing a hold of that leg, he doesn't take any risk. He's grabbing a hold of Morales' leg straight away, and then you're going to see how good his grappling is." This implies that while Makhachev's ground game is formidable, it's not invincible, and some fighters might pose unexpected problems.
But here's where it gets controversial... Volkanovski specifically calls out Usman as the most significant hurdle for Makhachev. "Who is going to give Islam problems? Usman's there. Usman could be a problem. We've seen how he did well against (Khamzat) Chimaev, as well, and he doesn't take unnecessary risks. He's smart, so I think Usman will be Islam's toughest challenge. (He) won't take any unnecessary risk, can stick to a game plan." Volkanovski emphasizes Usman's strategic approach and ability to avoid unnecessary risks as key factors that could make him a difficult opponent for Makhachev. It's a bold statement, considering the wrestling pedigree and overall dominance Makhachev has displayed. Also, Volkanovski references Usman's performance against Khamzat Chimaev, a fight Usman took on short notice and arguably performed better than many expected, further solidifying his point about Usman's resilience and adaptability.
Usman, coming off a victory against Joaquin Buckley (snapping a three-fight losing streak), had already made his case for a title shot before Makhachev even faced Della Maddalena. The mutual interest between Makhachev and Usman sets the stage for a potentially epic clash.
But here's the question: Is Volkanovski right? Is Usman truly the toughest challenge for Makhachev at welterweight? Or are there other fighters in the division who possess the skills and style to dethrone the newly crowned champion? And what about the stylistic matchup – does Usman's wrestling defense and striking pose a genuine threat to Makhachev's dominant grappling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
