Former UFC title contender Chael Sonnen doesn’t consider Alex Volkanovski defeating Islam Makhachev can be thought of an upset.
Volkanovski (25-1) is the UFC featherweight champion and the No.1 ranked fighter on the pound-for-pound rankings. The primary Australian-born UFC champion will try to make extra historical past when he strikes up a weight class to tackle light-weight champion Islam Makhachev on Feb.12 at UFC 284. He may have home-field benefit because the pay-per-view is slated to be held on the RAC Area in Perth, Australia.
Chael Sonnen Disagrees With An Alex Volkanovski Win Being A Huge Upset
Throughout a video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen was requested if he thought Volkanovski defeating Makhachev can be deemed an upset. The 45-year-old responded by calling it “essentially the most annoying query” and referred to UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. He defined that if Makhachev wins, it could be the primary UFC loss for Volkanovski.
“No. In fact not. Alexander Volkanovski is No.1-ranked and Islam is No.5-ranked,” former three-time UFC title challenger Sonnen mentioned. “It’s important to flip to the P4P checklist. That’s the one checklist each guys are on… Volkanovski who’s by no means misplaced, Volkanovski who’s ranked greater… How would that be stunning information? If Volkanovski will get beat… any component of that battle that goes in opposition to Volk can be one thing that’s by no means occurred earlier than.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
Makhachev (23-1) claimed UFC gold for the primary time when he submitted Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October. The 31-year-old AKA champion is on an 11-fight unbeaten streak.
Volkanovski final fought at UFC 276 in Las Vegas, the place he defeated Max Holloway for a 3rd time. He’s defended the title 4 instances since successful it in Dec. 2019. It is going to be a battle between two champions when Volkanovski and Makhachev step into the octagon for one of many greatest fights in 2023.
