UFC stars and MMA experts predicts Makhachev vs. Volkanovski super fight: ”The worst matchup”

On February 11, we will witness one of the most exciting fights in recent memory, as featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski moves up a weight class to challenge newly crowned lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Click next to see how the pro’s predict the super fight at UFC 284!

Sean O’Malley

Pick: Volkanovski

Bantamweight star Sean O’Malley is impressed with Makhachev’s ground game and striking, but thinks the featherweight champion got what it takes to win.

”I do have a weird feeling Alexander Volkanovski will be alot bigger challenge than everyone thinks. Alexander might pull it off ,”O’Malley says.

Jamahal Hill

Pick: Volkanovski

The new light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill thinks Volkanovski is the pound-for-pound best UFC fighter, but still favors Makhachev at UFC 284.

”I don’t like betting against Islam. Those dudes are different, when they get on top of you its clearly fucking different,” Hill says. ”But I’m probably leaning towards ”Volk” though.

Jan Blachowicz

Pick: Makhachev

Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz doesn’t see anyone beating the dominant Makhachev at the moment.

”I don’t see anybody who can stop him in the division,” Blachowicz says.

Robert Whittaker

Pick: 50/50

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker thinks both fighters got what it takes to win at UFC 284.

”I think Volk has a solid chance against anybody in the world,” Whittaker claims. ”The bigger question is; how good is Islam? I guess, let’s wait and see.”

Josh Emmett

Pick: Volkanovski

Featherweight Josh Emmett, who’s fighting for the interim title in the co-main event at UFC 284, is rooting for Alexander Volkanovski.

”I’m pulling for the underdog,” Emmett says. ”

Henry Cejudo

Pick: Makhachev

Two-division champion Henry Cejudo believes Volkanovski makes a mistake moving up.

”If you’re to fight a guy like Islam Makhachev, that’s the worst matchup you could ever pick. It’s not a smart idea Alexander,” Cejudo says.

Dominick Cruz

Pick: Makhachev

Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz thinks the lightweight champion might be too big for Volkanovski.

”I think that Islam is just too big. He’s a giant,” Cruz says.

Cory Sandhagen

Pick: Makhachev

Top ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen thinks Makhachev’s size will make the difference at UFC 284.

”Just because of the weight. If they were in the same weight class I would say Volk,” Sandhagen says.

Stephen ”Wonderboy” Thompson

Pick: Makhachev

Welterweight striker Stephen ”Wonderboy” Thompson thinks Makhachev gets it done at UFC 284.

”I got to go with the champ man,” Thompson says.

Bas Rutten

Pick: Volkanovski

MMA veteran Bas Rutten thinks the featherweight champions energy, stamina and grit could make the difference.

”Volkanovski, I put my money on him,” Rutten says. ”I’m so impressed with the guy.”

Bryce Mitchell

Pick: Makhachev

Featherweight Bryce Mitchell thinks Islam Makhachev will leave UFC 284 as the champion.

”I do think he beats Volkanovski,” Mitchell says.

Erin Blanchfield

Pick: Makhachev

Flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield thinks Islam will get his hand raised even though Volkanovski is tough as nails.

”I think moving up a weight class, and especially against someone like Islam who’s so good, I think he’s going to have a hard time,” Blanchfield predicts.

Renato Moicano

Pick: Makhachev

Brazilian UFC fighter Renato Moicano doesn’t see how the superfight makes sense at all, even though he credits the featherweight champion as a great fighter.

”I don’t see how Volkanovski can beat Makhachev,” Moicano says.

Belal Muhammad

Pick: Makhachev

Top ranked welterweight Belal Muhammad believes that Makhachev will reign the lightweight division for a long time.

”Islam is the best fighter in the UFC right now. Skill for skill, I think he’s pound-for-pound No. 1,” Muhammad says.

Umar Nurmagomedov

Pick: Makhachev

No. 11 rankad bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov claims that the Dagestani fighter is too tough for Volkanovski.

”I think Islam will finish this guy ,” Nurmagomedov predicts.

Dricus Du Plessis

Pick: 50/50

Surging middleweight Dricus Du Plessis believes the featherweight champion has the advantage on the feet, but Makhachev could win if he can keep Volkanovski down.

”I’m going to go 50/50 on that one,” Du Plessis says.

Aleksandar Rakić

Pick: Makhachev

Top ranked light heavyweight Aleksandar Rakić thinks Makhachev will be pushed hard by Volkanovski, but eventually will win the fight.

”It’s going to be really tough”, Rakić says.

Neil Magny

Pick: Makhachev

Welterweight Neil Magny thinks that size will be a big factor at UFC 284.

”I have to say Islam”, Magny predicts

Johnny Walker

Pick: Volkanovski

Brazilian light heavyweight Johnny Walker is certain that the featherweight champion will achieve double-champ status at UFC 284.

”I think Volkanovski will be champ-champ. He’s pound-for-pound No. 1” Walker says.

Ben Askren

Pick: Makhachev

Retired UFC fighter Ben Askren favors the Dagestani wrestler in the matchup.

”I would make Makhachev the favorite for sure, if I was the oddsmaker,” Askren says.

Drew Dober

Pick: Makhachev

No. 14 ranked lightweight Drew Dober believes that Makhachev gets it done in Australia.

”Probably by decision,” Dober predicts.

Maycee Barber

Pick: Volkanovski

Flyweight Maycee Barber believes the Australian fighter wins on his hometurf.

”Volkanovski,” Barber predicts.

Curtis Blaydes

Pick: Makhachev

Top ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes thinks the lightweight champ will be to big for featherweight Volkanovski.

”Islam, just because he’s bigger. I think he’s going to smash him. It’s not going to be a very exciting fight,” Blaydes predicts.

Terrance McKinney

Pick: Volkanovski

Lightweight Terrance McKinney loves the matchup and predicts that Volkanovski will be double champion at UFC 284.

”I think Volk gets it done man,” McKinney says. ”As long as he can manage the distance and not get taken down, I see him getting an easy decision.”

Geoff Neal

Pick: Makhachev

Top ranked welterweight Geoff Neal claims that Volkanovski has the better skills as a MMA fighter, but that Makhachev’s strength and size will be a big factor.

”Islam just because he’s bigger,” Neal reasons.

Jack Della Maddalena

Pick: Volkanovski

Surging welterweight prospect Jack Della Maddalena, who set for his fourth promotional fight at UFC 284, has faith in his countryman.

”Volkanovski. I think he’s the pound-for-pound No. 1 on my opinion,” Della Maddalena says.

Bryan Barberena

Pick: Makhachev

Fan favorite Bryan Barberena predicts a great fight with Makhachev leaving the cage as the winner.

”Volkanovski is going to come in really prepared with a great gameplan, but I’m sure Makhachev will too,” Barberena says.

Grant Dawson

Pick: Makhachev

Surging lightweight prospect Grant Dawson thinks size will be the factor in the super fight at UFC 284.

”You got to go with Islam Makhachev. He’s too big, he’s good everywhere,” Dawson says. ”After what he did to Charles Oliveira, I don’t see a whole lot of guys beating him right now.”

Justin Tafa

Pick: Volkanovski

Heavyweight Justin Tafa thinks the No. 1 pound-for-pound Alex Volkanovski will get it done at UFC 284.

”I think Volk will get the win and I think people will be very shocked. He’s the most underrated fighter, maybe in history,” Tafa says.

Paul Craig

Pick: Makhachev

Light heavyweight Paul Craig predicits that Makhachev will get it done at UFC 284.

”I can’t see past Islam,” Craig says.

Jamie Mullarkey

Pick: Volkanovski

Lightweight Jamie Mullarkey believes in his countryman.

”I see a late stoppage for Alex,” Mullarkey predicts.

Read more: UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski – Full Fight Card, Start Time & How to Watch

Read more: List of all current and former undisputed UFC champions

Read more: Rising stars: 23 Swedish fighting prospects to watch in 2023

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