Volkanovski On Makhachev's Technical Mastery

Alexander Volkanovski says Islam Makhachev tested his grappling defense more than any opponent in his career.

The former featherweight champion told Kris Fade that his first clash with Makhachev at UFC 284 in February 2023 forced him to dig into technical layers he rarely accesses. Volkanovski lost a decision that night but came away with deep admiration for the lightweight titleholder's counter-grappling. "No one had ever taken me that far when it comes to techniques," he said, per MMA Fighting.

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Volkanovski's Technical Battle With Makhachev

Volkanovski explained that most opponents tap his takedown defense at two or three levels before he shuts them down. Makhachev pushed the exchange to four layers deep, answering every defensive trick Volkanovski deployed. The featherweight king called the bout a showcase of fundamentals that future fighters will study for years. "If they really start studying some of that stuff, they can see some magic techniques in there," he said.

The pair rematched on short notice at UFC 294 in October 2023, where Makhachev landed a first-round knockout. Volkanovski told Fade the two are planning a training trip to Dagestan soon. Makhachev insisted on a two-to-three-week stay rather than the few days Volkanovski first suggested, with horseback hunting and cooking sessions on the agenda alongside sparring.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Alexander Volkanovski speaks on first fight with Islam Makhachev: ‘No one had ever taken me that far when it comes to techniques’