Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski 2/11/23 – Volkanovski is promoted to the lightweight division in order to challenge Makhachev. This is Makhachev’s first defense of his title. This Saturday will see a rare champion-champion showdown. Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC Featherweight Champion (25-1), moves up in weight to face Islam Makhachev (23-1). UFC fight odds favors Islam Makhachev to win this battle.
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski
Date & Time: Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET
Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Betting Odds
Makhachev
Moneyline: -333
Volkanovski
Moneyline: +250
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Analysis
As he fights in the higher weight division, Islam Makhachev appears to be a visually bigger fighter than Alexander Volkanovski. The defending champion will be at 5’10” taller than the featherweight champion who is at 5’6″. Makhachev will have a four-and a half leg advantage against the challenger. Volkanovski’s only advantage is his 71.5 inch reach, which is one more than Makhachev’s 70.5 inch. Stylistically, the styles of both champions are different. Makhachev is the grappler, while Volkanovski is the striker. Their records show this difference. 50% of Australian wins were by TKO/KO while 48% of Russian victories have been by submission. Because of his 16:50 average fight time against Makhachev 9:06, Volkanovski is the leader in durability. At 6.79 strikes per minute, Volkanovski is more aggressive in striking, compared to Makhachev’s 2.37 strikes per minute, which is 59%. The American Kickboxing Academy representative is more defensive with 0.95 absorbed per minutes (66% defense rate) compared to the City Kickboxing 3.53 (60% defense rate).
Makhachev has a huge advantage in grappling against Alexander Volkanovski, with a 3.42 average per 15 minute against 1.71. He also has a better takedown accuracy rate of 65% against 36%. His takedown defense rate is 88% against 73%. The submission average per fifteen minutes is 1.27 against 0.22. Regardless of statistical differences between the champions, this fight will be an exciting showdown that will decide the best pound for pound fighter in MMA. Volkanovski’s championship level may play a significant role in this match. His hunger is clearly visible in the build-up. Makhachev, on the other hand seems confident about beating the featherweight champion. He even said in one interview that he would be willing to increase his weight to compete against the welterweight champion. Volkanovski is a tough opponent, so this confidence could prove costly.
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Stats
Makhachev | Volkanovski | |
Wins/Losses/Draws | 23-1-0 | 25-1-0 |
Average Fight Time | 9:06 | 16:50 |
Height | 5′ 10″ | 5′ 6″ |
Weight | 155 lbs. | 145 lbs. |
Reach | 70″ | 71″ |
Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
Strikes Landed per Min. | 2.37 | 6.79 |
Striking Accuracy | 59% | 57% |
Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 0.95 | 3.53 |
Defense | 66% | 60% |
Takedowns Average/15 min. | 3.42 | 1.71 |
Takedown Accuracy | 65% | 36% |
Takedown Defense | 88% | 73% |
Submission Average/15 min. | 1.3 | 0.2 |
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Free Pick
Makhachev will not have Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner in this upcoming game, which could affect his mental preparations and mental state heading into the fight. Last but not least, Volkanovski has the speed advantage over Makhachev which could make him a two-division champion according to the best UFC betting sites.
Free Pick: Alexander Volkanovski +250