Alexander Volkanovski Doesn’t Want to “Beat Yair Rodriguez” as He’s “Driving to Practice” Thinking About Islam Makhachev, Claims UFC Legend

UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski remains preoccupied with his previous opponent, Islam Makhachev, while his fight against Yair Rodriguez draws closer.

Volkanovski has his work cut out for the Mexican interim champion, whose unorthodox and innovative fighting style troubled the likes of BJ Penn, Brian Ortega, and recently Josh Emmett. While ‘El Pantera’ aims to dethrone the Australian fighter, the champion finds himself in a vulnerable situation. ‘The Great’, unable to keep his head clear, still goes around with his life, envisioning a fight with Islam Makhachev.

Therefore, leaving a window of opportunity open not only for the interim champion but also for the Hawaiian fighter, Max Holloway.

Alexander Volkanovski can’t get over his obsession with Islam Makhachev

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen, on his YouTube channel, contended that ‘The Great’ faced troubles with distraction. However, this also resulted in the Featherweight Champion losing his hunger for a fight against Rodriguez.

Hence, the former UFC associate said, “I don’t think that Volk wants to beat Rodriguez. I don’t think Volk goes to bed in night; I don’t think Volk’s driving to practice getting his head right thinking about Yair.”

Instead of gearing up for his UFC 290 fight against Rodriguez, he was going to bed and training with thoughts about Makhachev. Notably, the Russian fighter defeated Volkanovski in a closely contested fight at UFC 284. Makhachev handed him his first defeat in the promotion. Since then, fans and pundits alike have demanded a rematch between the two.

Likewise, Sonnen argued, “I don’t think he’s going to bed, I think he’s envisioned. I think he’s driving to practice thinking about Islam.”

Following this, he stated Volkanovski’s distraction created an opportunity for both Rodriguez and Holloway. While Rodriguez could bank on this, the fight also had a greater effect on ‘Blessed’. Holloway is in an odd spot as he runs roughshod over the 155 lbs division, but falls short of capturing the UFC gold against Volkanovski.

Having a new champion at the top might boost his chances of earning another shot at the title.

Markedly, Alexander Volkanovski squares off against Yair Rodriguez at the T-Mobile Arena facility on July 8.

Read More: Fans Spot Uncanny Similarity Between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski as Lightweight Champ Dons New Look: “The Rematch Will Be Confusing”

What do you think of these statements by UFC veteran Chael Sonnen about champion Alexander Volkanovski? Do you believe the Australian fighter is fixated on Islam Makhachev? Let us know in the comments below.

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