Alexander Volkanovski is the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. He has an exceptional record that reads 25-1-0. The only fighter in the lightweight division who comes close to the Australian’s numbers is Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s Protégé, Islam Makhachev. The Russian is ranked #1 in the lightweight division and #5 in the pound-for-pound rankings. His career stats are currently at 23-1-0.
Things, however, will certainly change on the 12th of February 2023. Further, Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev are set to face each other at UFC 284. The build-up to the fight has started and Volkanovski has grabbed the initiative with an Instagram video.
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Volkanovski shared a video that appeared to be taken at training and pointed out his knee mocking Makhachev. He captioned his video saying, “Yo Islam, Your belt got my name on it and my knee’s got your face on it“.
Alexander Volkanovski has a message for Islam Makhachev pic.twitter.com/sq3VlpZbqF
— MMA mania (@mmamania) December 16, 2022
The Australian’s mischievous challenge has certainly prompted fans of both sides into action and a twitter battle ensued in the comments section. Further, both sets of fans took hilarious digs at the other fighter. Alexander Volkanovski fighting Makhachev for the lightweight belt is one of the most mouth-watering clashes scheduled in 2023.
Islam Makhachev mocked by Alexander Volkanovski
Volkanovski targeted Makhachev in a video that was posted on Instagram but was later shared on Twitter. Reacting to the video, both sets of fans had hilarious comments. A user said, “Imagine he knocks him out with a flying knee”
Imagine he knocks him out with a flying knee
— tej (@Tejiify) December 16, 2022
Islam Makhachev fans weren’t too far behind as users posted some memes in response. A Makhachev fan also tweeted saying:
Volko once the cage is closed pic.twitter.com/hUZCEfgfh0
— CryptoStocksTop10 (@longwulf95) December 16, 2022
Another Makhachev supporter also had a few things to say for the Australian. He tweeted,
— Rod (@GGCIR8991) December 16, 2022
Volkanovski fans weren’t too far behind and came hard at the Makhachev fans.
A user also tweeted, “Volk is the best pound for pound fighter in the world and it makes for a good storyline/build up. Makes perfect sense”
Volk is the best pound for pound fighter in the world and it makes for a good storyline/build up. Makes perfect sense
— B (@hoophalllegend) December 16, 2022
Referring to Alexander Volkanovski‘s comparatively shorter height, a Makhachev fan said, “What message of? That he has legs?”
What message of? That he has legs?
— Эрлан Кадыржан (@erlankadyrzhan) December 16, 2022
While another fan had something to say about Volkanovski’s knee,
Bro what is up with dem kneees
— M. Lowrey (@M_Lowreyy) December 16, 2022
Users also thought the Australian fighter looked strong. A user tweeted,
Volk looking strongggg
— Vegeta CronosApe (@Acestriple1) December 16, 2022
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Both fighters come with proven pedigrees and a lot at stake in the fight. Also, subtle digs and jibes like these will light up the fire in both camps.
Volkanovski and Makhachev will fight for the belt
UFC 284 will see ‘The Great’ try to become a two-division champion. He has defended his title 4 times since his victory over Max Holloway at UFC 245. While Volkanovski may look like a strong contender, Islam Makhachev will love to halt his winning train with his ground-and-pound strategy.
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Watch This Story: Conor McGregor reacts on Islam Makhachev’s win, Petr Yan Loss at UFC 281
Who will trump the other will be decided in the Octagon, but till then, both sets of fans will not let their fighters down. Let us know which fighter will you cheer for.