Henry Cejudo has advised Alex Volkanovski to take his time before challenging Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title.
This past Saturday, Makhachev took on top contender Charles Oliveira in the headlining bout of UFC 280. He put in a dominant showing and handily dispatched Oliveira in round two with an armbar choke submission to win the vacant title. Following the win, Makhachev called out the reigning featherweight king for a clash of champions.
Henry Cejudo believes Alex Volkanovski needs more time for Islam Makhachev
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, former two-division champion Henry Cejudo shared his thoughts on Volkanovski’s chances of beating Makhachev.
“He’s going to need time, especially against a guy like Islam Makhachev. I get the vibes of Israel Adesanya vs Jan Blachowicz. Maybe Israel could have prepared a little bit more on his back, to have the ability to get up, and not just let somebody lay on you for three rounds. That’s kinda how I see it in this position but even worse because of Islam’s strength on top, his top control.
“I talked to Khabib about this before Islam got the title shot, he’s like, ‘Volkanovski could beat Charles Oliveira. He could beat him if he decides to go up’ and he sincerely meant it.”
Cejudo thinks Volkanovski is going to get exposed
With all signs pointing to a showdown between ‘The Great’ and Makhachev, Cejudo believes Volkanovski will get exposed as a potential GOAT candidate.
“With a guy like Islam, a guy who’s going to bring pressure, a bigger guy, a taller guy, a stronger guy that has the ability of taking your pain, of taking your hits and still moving forward. A guy that eats, breathes, and tells you exactly what he’s going to do. He’s just going to beat you up. You need more time for that. I don’t understand why they are doing Australia in February, it’s so damn early. You’re going to need a lot more than four months and you need the right training partners and the right coaches.”
“I think Volkanovski’s pound-for-pound title is going to be short-lived. The wrath of Islam Makhachev is just a little too much. That’s a really strong debut to go to 155 pounds.”
“If you can beat a guy like Islam, you’re the real deal. I just think you need time and that you will be exposed. February is too soon.”
Volkanovski is expected to line up against Makhachev in a bid to achieve ‘double-champ’ status in the promotion’s return to his home country for UFC 284 on Feb. 12, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
