UFC Hall of Famer Wants Islam Makhachev to Follow Alexander Volkanovski’s Approach to Keep 170-Pound Division Moving

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski dominated the P4P list for years, but Chael Sonnen believes they are different.

UFC Hall of Famer Wants Islam Makhachev to Follow Alexander Volkanovski’s Approach to Keep 170-Pound Division Moving

Islam Makhachev advised to follow Alexander Volkanovski (via Instagram)

Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 330 against Ian Garry, extending his UFC winning streak to 17 fights, the longest in UFC history. However, a young and hungry welterweight division now awaits him. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen has cited Alexander Volkanovski’s mindset as inspiration for Makhachev.

Volkanovski has built a historic UFC featherweight legacy through sustained championship success. He holds the division record with nine title fight wins and six defenses. Volkanovski is cementing his second reign after reclaiming the belt against Diego Lopes at UFC 314.

Volkanovski is set to face Movsar Evloev in the UFC 333 main event, with the contender almost five years younger. Evloev remains unbeaten, giving Volkanovski another major challenge during his second title reign. Sonnen recently highlighted Volkanovski’s mindset, noting his willingness to face the division’s top contender.

Volk wants to fight the hardest guy, the best guy, the top guy. Evloev is next on paper, and that’s why Volk is saying, ‘Yeah, I’ll fight him.’ Volk’s approach is I’ve got a job. I’ve got a division. I’m the best in the world. And therefore, I will contest it against anybody at any time.

Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel

Makhachev faces a difficult choice, with Carlos Prates and Michael Morales seeking title shots since UFC 322. Sonnen believes the champion should follow ‘Volk’ and target the toughest available opponent. His assessment suggests Makhachev should pursue the best challenge instead of waiting for ideal circumstances.

Should Islam sit back and take on the winner of Morales and Prates? Or should Islam understand one of them is a number one contender today, but then I also have something to do tomorrow? Islam has a system, and it’s very difficult to question that system with the level of success that he is having. But if Islam wants to continue being the champion, he needs opponents who will fight him.

Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel

However, Sonnen’s assessment overlooks Makhachev’s willingness to face Prates after his UFC Perth knockout of Jack Della Maddalena. The UFC instead gave Garry the shot after his UFC Qatar win over former champion Belal Muhammad. The Irishman had also accepted short-notice opponents multiple times.

This is not the first time Sonnen has cast doubt over Makhachev. Sonnen once called the Dagestani champion too small for welterweight, but Makhachev quickly made those doubts look misplaced.

Since then, Sonnen has praised Makhachev for making major career moves and surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov in achievements.

Interestingly, Volkanovski and Makhachev have fought twice, with both bouts contested for the lightweight title. At UFC 284, Makhachev retained the title by unanimous decision after five competitive rounds.

They met again at UFC 294, where Makhachev stopped the Australian star with a first-round head-kick knockout. This time, Volk took the bout on extremely short-notice, which is a mentality that Sonnen appreciates.

Islam Makhachev still considers UFC 284 against ‘The Great’ as the toughest fight of his career. That makes Chael Sonnen’s comparison especially relevant as the Dagestani star faces a new generation at welterweight.

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Islam Makhachev’s coach believes victory would have been possible without wrestling at UFC 330

One major concern heading into UFC 330 was Ian Garry’s striking threat and physical advantages over Islam Makhachev. Garry stood 6’3″ with a 74-inch reach, giving him a four-inch reach advantage over the 5’10” champion. Many believed the Irish challenger’s size and striking would be Makhachev’s biggest challenge.

However, Javier Mendez remained unbothered by Garry’s striking threat and physical advantages. The American Kickboxing head coach has consistently emphasized Makhachev’s ability to compete effectively on the feet. He also highlighted that strength before UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena and again before UFC 330.

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry at UFC 330
Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry at UFC 330 (via X)

Makhachev relied heavily on wrestling against Garry, landing seven of 15 takedowns and controlling him for 12:30. He landed 22 of 44 significant strikes, including the head kick that produced his lone knockdown. Mendez later suggested the reigning champion could have won through striking alone.

The objective was to take away his (Garry’s) biggest strength, which was his standup. We could stand with him, but it still would have been the harder road. If Islam said, ‘Hey, I want to stand with the guy,’ I would have let him. I would just advise that’s not the best choice. But you can stand with him. He’s just so well-rounded. He can do it all. That’s what I’m always trying to say about Islam.

Javier Mendez via Submission Radio

However, Makhachev’s praise for Garry after UFC 330 provided a fitting conclusion to the matchup. The champion acknowledged the Irishman’s toughness, showing the challenge extended beyond their physical differences.

Mendez’s confidence in Islam Makhachev’s striking remains an important part of his development at welterweight.

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