“This is going to be controversial…” Alexander Volkanovski makes shocking claim about Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira in a potential jiu-jitsu match

Alexander Volkanovski had an interesting pick between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira if they squared up for a BJJ match-up.

“This is going to be controversial…” Alexander Volkanovski makes shocking claim about Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira in a potential jiu-jitsu match

Alexander Volkanovski weighs in on who the better grappler is among Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira (via Imago)

In a recent video, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski spoke about who would win a Jiu-Jitsu match-up between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. The video went viral and took the combat world by storm. Makhachev is an excellent wrestler, whereas Oliveira has a great ground game. Makhachev and Oliveira have their fanbase, but an outright statement from the featherweight peer was shocking.

In the video, Alexander Volkanovski pointed to Islam Makhachev as the better grappler between the two. “This is going to be pretty controversial, even if they did a Jiu-jitsu match, …who do I think will win? I’d still say Islam.” He went on to say that even though he thought Oliveira had the cleaner and crisper submissions fit for Jiu-Jitsu, Makhachev was still his choice. He considered Makhachev the overall better grappler, with more control and stance dictation.

YouTube video

Some would argue that Charles Oliveira holds the advantage in a BJJ match. There are no ground and pounds in a BJJ match. Hence, Makhachev will not be able to use his signature ground and pound to pummel the opponent. Volkanovksi may not have considered that aspect of the BJJ competition. Alexander Volkanovski fought Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. He lost the fight via a controversial decision. However, most people including Joe Rogan thought he won.

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Oliveira and Makhachev will rematch at UFC 294. Volkanovski would aim to rematch Makhachev at some point if the Dagestani fighter overcomes Oliveira at UFC 294. On the other hand, Volkanovski will look to defend his featherweight title against Ilia Topuria early next year.

Related: “Absolutely” – Dricus du Plessis puts Charles Oliveira as ‘lightweight GOAT’ and shuns Islam Makhachev from conversation

Bryce Mitchell rates Alexander Volkanovski above Topuria

Alexander Volkanovski has a lot to look out for in his division. Immediately following his victory at UFC 290, he had confirmed the need for a surgical cleanout on his elbow. The featherweight division has rising contenders like Ilia Topuria and Movsar Evloev. Topuria and Evloev could prove difficult for Volk to handle.

Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski wants the ultimate challenge (Image Courtesy – Man of Many)

After the announcement of UFC 295 and UFC 296, Volkanovski will only compete next year. Volkanovski had mentioned intentions of a rematch with Islam Makhachev. However, he has moved on to Ilia Topuria as the immediate opponent. He still hoped to fight Makhachev down the line.

Bryce Mitchell weighed in on the topic of Volkanovksi vs. Topuria. Mitchell lost to Topuria via submission last year. However, he had high words of praise for Topuria. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Volkanovski was the better fighter. Mitchell said, “I think Volkanovski has a little bit of an edge with the experience of the five rounds, and he’s a little bit more well rounded.” Only time will tell if Mitchell predicted right.

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