UFC 286: Alexander Volkanovski Predicts Kamaru Usman and Justin Gaethje Fights

UFC 286 has given fans one of the most exciting lead up to an event as two of the best welterweights on the planet get ready to square up for the welterweight gold. While the main event between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman has definitely been the focus for fans and analysts alike, one can’t help but look in amazement at the other fights stacked up on the card. While there’s undoubtedly a bunch of them that promises to be a thrilling watch, it’s the co-main between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev that stands out. A fight that has the potential to headline an event on its own. It’s only fair that we give it as much importance as the main event.

Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski too believes the same. ‘The Great’ uploaded a fresh video on his YouTube channel while making sure that he makes a fair assessment of the fights in the event. He goes on at length talking specifically about the co-main and the main event. And for fans interested in understanding how these fights could play out, this video is a must-watch ahead of UFC 286.

Alexander Volkanovski believes Leon Edwards will be far more confident heading into UFC 286 against Kamaru Usman

Talking about how Usman goes into the fight as a heavy favorite despite having lost the last fight, ‘Volk’ stated that he believed it to be a fair judgment. Pointing out that the former champ did dominate most of the fight, he said, “… a lot of people are going to look at it at you know, Usman was winning and then he got the knockout as if the better fighter is still Usman. I totally get that. That’s very fair, right?”

But arguing that point, the Australian shed light on Edwards‘ surprisingly good first round that had him control ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ from the back.

 “…he showed you that he can handle Usman when he’s fresh. But then you still got this finish. That he knows he can do. Leon knows he can finish him,” said Volkanovski.

He also went on to state that the former welterweight champ might just show a bit of hesitancy following the devastating KO.

“…when this guy has knocked you clean out even if things are going well, you know you’ve been there before and you still got knocked out, you’re going to be hesitant. You’re going to be struggling.” Explained the Australian.

Despite all of these aspects, Volkanovski chose not to pick sides for the fight, as he believed for fighters had an equal chance of getting their hands raised. He says, “it’s going to be a lot closer fight the whole way through.”

Volkanovski makes his picks for the co-main between Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gaethje

The featherweight champ showed his admiration for Rafael Fiziev as he described this fight as a massive opportunity for the sixth-ranked Lightweight. Expressing his confidence in his former training partner, he felt that ‘Ataman’ could finish Gaethje owing to his superior skills.

 “He’s very durable, you know. He’s going to turn up. He’s that type of guy. He’s always in shape. I’m going to have to lean towards a Rafa on that one for sure can I see Rafael finishing Gaethje.” he opined.

Although fans of the American might not agree with his statement; Volkanovski made a convincing argument about their fighting styles that could prove him right.

‘Volk’ pointed out that it was the false sense of security that ‘The Highlight’ could feel fighting in close range that could end up as his undoing. “Rafael won’t be scared to fight in that pocket, which will make Gaethje to feel like there’s a lot of opportunities; so he will swing and I feel like Rafa can catch him in that moment.”

Read More: UFC World Goes Berserk as Colby Covington Makes Weight for UFC 286 as Backup for Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards Trilogy

Quite a serious assessment made by the featherweight champ. What do you think of his predictions? Let us know in the comment section below.

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