According to UFC fighter Michael Chiesa, Alexander Volkanovski has the chance to make history with a victory over Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. The main event, taking place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on Sunday, will see lightweight champion Makhachev defend his title against featherweight champion Volkanovski.
If Volkanovski is successful in his challenge, Chiesa believes that he will go down in the annals of UFC history as one of the greatest fighters of all time. This statement expands on Daniel Cormier’s previous assertion that a Volkanovski victory would represent the biggest upset in UFC history.
American UFC fans will want to keep a close eye on this highly anticipated match-up, as the outcome could have major implications for the future of the sport. Will Alexander Volkanovski cement his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time, or will Islam Makhachev defend his title and solidify his position as one of the top lightweights in the UFC?
“If he beats him, he is the best of all time.” Do you agree with Michael Chiesa, if Volk beats Islam is he the #GOAT? #UFC284 #MMATwitter 🐐 pic.twitter.com/kcrM5rYQlM
— Aussie Rules MMA 🇦🇺 (@MixedMartialAus) February 5, 2023
“Undoubtedly if he beats Islam Makhachev, he is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of our time,” Chiesa said on Sirius XM’s Fight Nation. I just think that there’s no way you can deny him that respect. To dominate the 145-pound division the way he does, and if he goes out and beats Islam Makhachev, there is no way you cannot have him pegged as the best guy we’ve ever seen fight in the octagon. I usually say arguably, but this is an unarguable case if he beats Islam that he’s the best fighter we’ve ever seen.”
Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, has made a name for himself by successfully defending his title an impressive four times, including two dominating victories against former champion Max Holloway. Despite being known as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC with a perfect record, top contender Michael Chiesa believes that defeating another top fighter in Islam Makhachev will propel him to new heights and establish him as a dominant force in the sport.
“If Alex can go up and pull of the win over Islam, that’s a feat that nobody else has done,” Chiesa added. “Even if he comes up short, who cares? He’s gonna go back down to 145 pounds where he’s reigned supreme and just continue his run there, so there’s no losing for Alexander Volkanovski in this fight.”