New Zealand UFC fighter Israel Adesanya spoke about Alex Volkanovski's upcoming lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, on February 12.
I'm certainly not the best fighter, but I've had sparring sessions with Volkanowski. I tried to keep him down, but he would get up and even as we were standing up, he would find an opportunity to get closer. Islam is undoubtedly great, and the Dagestani guys know their stuff. Alex is a friend of mine, many will say I'm biased, but I'm willing to bet my house on Volkanovski winning.
Israel Adesanya, to Flagrant podcast
Makhachev became the UFC lightweight champion this October after winning by second-round choke over Brazil's Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Islam has 23 wins under his belt with only one loss.
Volkanovski faced Max Holloway of America at UFC 276 last July in the octagon. That fight ended in Alex's favor by a unanimous decision of the judges. The Australian has 25 wins and one loss.