Alexander Volkanovski squared off towards Islam Makhachev in the primary occasion of UFC 284 in February this 12 months. Though the Australian MMA fighter was defeated by Makhachev within the historic bout, Volkanovski obtained reward from all quarters for his very good gameplay and gritty efficiency. Volkanovski who’s the reigning featherweight champion had promoted himself to the light-weight class to be able to problem Makhachev. Regardless of dropping the bout, Volkanovski retained his prime rank within the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Forward of UFC 285 the place celebrity fighter Jon Jones will lock horns with Ciryl Gane and goal to develop into the brand new champion in heavyweight class, Jones lauded Volkanovski for his implausible bout towards Makhachev. Each Jones and Volkanovski interacted on a present for Fox Sports activities Australia this week.
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“First Alex, you are a freakin’ bada** dude. Islam being in your again, you are speaking sh*t the entire time, you are punching behind your self dude. You saved your composure, you did not freak out. Most individuals would have panicked. You are in some severe form dude, very spectacular,” stated Jones.
In the meantime, Jones is marking a comeback to the octagon after a three-year hiatus since his win over Dominick Reyes in February 2020. In a outstanding method, he has climbed up the ladder in weight class and might be marking his debut in heavyweight class.
Former Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has favoured Jones over Gane within the high-voltage contest.
“It relies upon which Jon Jones goes to be there. Is it going to be the Jon Jones that we all know, or only a man that is there [just] to be there… If Jon Jones reveals up, this struggle is usually a TKO. I feel he is gonna take [Gane] down, wrestle and a few floor and pound. However it might go the space if Jon Jones fights defensively. As a result of then each of them might be defensive fighters. Then it might go the space,” predicted Ngannou.