Joe Rogan Reveals Missing Link in Alexander Volkanovski’s Training That Led to Ugly KO Against Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski failed to capitalize on his opportunity to capture the lightweight title for the second time at UFC 294. He lost to Islam Makhachev via a sensational head-kick knockout. Now, Joe Rogan has argued that a fight camp could have made a big difference for the featherweight champion. 

Charles Oliveira was the initial opponent for Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. However, a last-minute injury during training in Brazil rendered ‘Do Bronxs’ unable to compete, and in stepped Alexander Volkanovski. A far cry from his first attempt, ‘Volk’ lost in the opening round via a KO/TKO. This raised an important ‘what if’ question- what if Volkanovski had a full training camp?

Joe Rogan claims a fight camp would have done a lot of good for Alexander Volkanovski

The 56-year-old UFC commentator mentioned that, in the first fight, he thought ‘The Great’ was the winner. It was a very close fight with Volkanovski matching Makhachev on the feet and on the ground. But after what transpired at UFC 294, there is no doubt in his mind that Islam Makhachev has proved himself to be in the upper echelons of the sport.

“He was going up in weight [at UFC 284], extremely close [and] I kinda thought he won the fight… Well now, you gotta say Makhachev is better,” said Joe Rogan during the recent ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ episode.

Rogan also mentioned that a fight camp could have been the biggest difference maker for Alexander Volkanovski against Islam Makhachev. He further stated, “We don’t get to see if Volkanovski was better because Volkanovski didn’t have a camp. You have to have a camp.”

He stressed the importance of having a camp before a fight. The lack of a proper camp made the featherweight champion look like he wasn’t even half as good as he really is. “The difference between these guys with a camp or without a camp is giant. It is like the difference between fighting at 40 percent and a 100 percent,” Joe Rogan added. He was also disappointed in the Aussie fighter for missing out on a chance to greatness.

JRE host claims ‘The Great’ risked his GOAT status

During the recent episode of JRE, Joe Rogan expressed his disappointment with Alexander Volkanovski’s decision to take the Islam Makhachev fight. He knew that it would be a great fight. However, Rogan did not like the idea of ‘The Great’ choosing to step in to fight the lightweight champion on 10 days’ notice. This is where he believes Volkanovski squandered his chance to earn the ‘GOAT’ status.

“Not 10 days. You’re the world champion [and] not just the world champion, you’re one of the best ever. And you have a real opportunity to go down in history as the greatest of all time,” said Joe Rogan. With two consecutive losses against Islam Makhachev, it is unlikely that the UFC will give Volkanovski a trilogy fight.

Read More: Ilia Topuria Reminded That Alexander Volkanovski Will Eat His Punches “Like It’s Breakfast” Despite Leaving a Man Writhing in Pain With a Single Punch

It seems like Alexander Volkanovski will have to wait for another lightweight title shot and focus on his featherweight title reign. Meanwhile, he has his next title defense against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, where he would hope to bounce back from the loss against Islam Makhachev. We will have to wait and see how things pan out for the Australian star.

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