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Alexander Volkanovski To Prevail At UFC 294

Get ready to hear “And New!” this Saturday at UFC 294

Justin Barrasso

Alexander Volkanovski To Prevail At UFC 294
Alexander Volkanovski To Prevail At UFC 294 /

The MMA Notebook runs every Friday.

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
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

Published
Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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