Champion Islam Makhachev is ready to get down to business.
The champ is back in camp. It has been only six weeks since Islam Makhachev won his first UFC title at UFC 280. He had no time to rest as he was met inside the Octagon following his win by the man he would be fighting next. It was determined even before his win over Charles Oliveira that the new champion would be facing the featherweight champion Alexander Volkanonski for their first defense. With the belt came a bout with the pound-for-pond king.
The only detail left to iron out was where this bout would take place. It seems logical to have the fight in Perth, Australia on Feb. 11. Volkanovski is from Australia and the UFC has not visited the country since before the pandemic. Although it seemed that there was a bit of trouble getting contracts signed for a bit, that fight is now set.
Islam Makhachev is ready to enter camp for Alexander Volkanovski fight
In the lead-up to this bout so far cases have been made for why both men can be victorious. Volkanovski has not been beaten in almost ten years, while the hype behind Makhachev is greater than ever. Makhachev will have the size advantage but could have a difficult time with Volkanovski’s speed and power. He is beginning his camp to prepare for the featherweight champion ten weeks out.
Fight camp is on., be ready short guy 😎👊🏼 #ufc284 pic.twitter.com/fjXXNogsqN
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 1, 2022
“Fight camp is on,” he wrote on Twitter. “Be ready short guy.”
Volkanovski has already begun his preparation for his opponent as well. He expects the fight to be a stand-up war as long as he can control it, but he expressed in the past having a greater focus on wrestling and takedown defense in this camp. He is also eating a huge amount daily to bulk up for his lightweight title fight.
