Alexander Volkanovski To Prevail At UFC 294
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Alexander Volkanovski receives a second chance at UFC 294.
How can you pick against him?
After only 12 days’ notice, Volkanovski challenges UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a rematch of their bout from February. Makhachev won that first bout, prevailing after a competitive five rounds.
Courtesy Zuffa LLC
That first fight was telling. After a cautious start, Volkanovski mastered Makhachev’s timing. The fifth round was especially strong in Volkanovski’s favor, and now he will look to accomplish what was only done once before: knock out Makhachev.
Volkanovski has a grueling challenge in front of him. He will need to be cautious of the early takedown from Makhachev, who was able to secure his back in the opening round of that fight in February. But he will also need to be more aggressive: Volkanovski cannot afford to lose the first two rounds like he did last time.
One particular moment of brilliance from that fight in February occurred in the waning moments of the third round. Volkanovski landed a perfect trip, dropping Makhachev and placing him in imminent danger.
This cannot go to the judges. A finish is a necessity for Volkanovski. The risk is inherent, but so is the reward: if he can start applying pressure early, we will see the UFC’s newest champ-champ.
The Pick ‘Em Section:
UFC 294 lightweight title bout: Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Pick: Alexander Volkanovski
UFC 294 middleweight title bout: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman
Pick: Kamaru Usman
UFC 294 light heavyweight bout: Magomed Anakalaev vs. Johnny Walker
Pick: Johnny Walker
UFC 294 middleweight bout: Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves
Pick: Ikram Aliskerov
UFC 294 bantamweight bout: Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov
Pick: Said Nurmagomedov
Last week: 1-4
2023 record: 117-70
