Chael Sonnen Explains Why Volkanovski Beating Makhachev Isn’t Gonna Be ‘The Upset Of The Century’

Chael makes a good point in refuting Volk besting Islam would be big of a news.

Alexander Volkanovski Vs Islam
Alexander Volkanovski Vs Islam - Image via @alexvolkanovski Instagram
  • Chael Sonnen argued there’s nothing too big about Alexander Volkanovski defeating Islam Makhachev
  • “The Bad Guy” questioned what motivates Makhachev to be all-in on the super fight with “The Great”

The thrilling title fight between reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight king Islam Makhachev is by far the biggest UFC fight on the slate. With a victory, “The Great” will be a two-division champion, but according to Chael Sonnen, there’s no way it will be the biggest upset of the century.

Big but not so big

Discussing the subject on his YouTube channel, “The Bad Guy” exclaimed that “the most annoying question” he has gotten thus far is if Volkanovski beating Makhachev is going to be the upset of the century.

In his argument, Sonnen pointed out that the pound-for-pound rankings state that both fighters were highly-ranked and that alone doesn’t make it a candidate for an upset even if the lower weight class champ Volaknovski prevails.

“No. Of course not. Volkanovski is ranked No. 1, Islam is ranked No. 5, You have to turn to the P4P list. That’s the only list both guys are on… Now as far as upset goes… what metric are you going to call, Volkanovski defeating Islam,  Volkanovski who’s never lost, Volkanovski who’s ranked higher… How would that be shocking news?”

Chael questions Islam

Sonnen further stressed that if the fight goes the other way, it will be interesting because Volaknovski has never been beaten in the UFC. But while that could be sweet for Makhachev, “The Bad Guy” is baffled by what motivates the Russian MMA star from beating Volk aside from being a pound-for-pound king, which he never said he wanted to be in the first place.

“Any element of that fight that goes against Volk will be something that’s never happened before,” Sonned said. “… I don’t know what Islam is getting out of this. Islam wanted to be the champion of the world, anointed by King Khabib himself… he never once said I want to be No. 1 pound-for-pound and that’s the only thing he’s getting out of this victory.”

Volkanovski vs. Makhacehv ended up getting a nod from the UFC after their incredible winning streak. Makhachev emphatically dethroned Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 and improved his unbeaten streak to 11-0. Volkanovski, meanwhile, defended his featherweight belt for the fourth time with a win over Max Holloway at UFC 276 and has remained undefeated in the UFC.

UFC 284: Volkanovski vs. Makhachev is set to happen on Feb. 11, 2023 at the Rac Arena in Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Published on December 27, 2022 at 11:41 am
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