“Can he handle the shots?” UFC champ fears Kamaru Usman might have too much on plate with short-notice Khamzat Chimaev fight

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski reveals his pick for the UFC 294 co-main event match-up featuring Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman.

“Can he handle the shots?” UFC champ fears Kamaru Usman might have too much on plate with short-notice Khamzat Chimaev fight

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman (Source: IMAGO)

Khamzat Chimaev and the former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will collide at UFC 294. The match-up came to fruition after contender Paulo Costa had health issues. Alexander Volkanovski weighed in on the fight and gave his take on his YouTube channel. Volkanovski had some insightful thoughts about the UFC 294 co-main event matchup.

“Obviously, Chimaev is going to be in better condition. I don’t know how long Usman’s been training for and Chimaev is a very very high-paced fighter so does that come into play? Can Usman handle the shots? I think he can,” said Volkanovski on his YouTube channel. “I think the pace that Chimaev is going to be hard to deal with for someone on short notice…“. Since this was a three-round fight, Volk thought Chimaev had the advantage.

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The reigning featherweight champion described that as the prime advantage Chimaev had over his opponent. He complimented Usman as being someone who is always prepared. However, with such a short span before the actual bout, Volk expected Chimaev to have the upper hand, even though he speculated a standup fight between them.

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Chimaev’s full-force pace was displayed in his win over Kevin Holland at UFC 279. On the other hand, Kamaru Usman is looking to break his two-fight losing streak. He had a dominant reign in the welterweight division until he lost to Leon Edwards last year.

Related: “Get that second title” – Ilia Topuria roots for rival Alexander Volkanovski against Islam Makhachev shocking 10-day notice title fight

Ariel Helwani reacts to major changes in UFC this month, including Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev

Combat sports and multimedia are always prone and subject to sudden changes and disruption. The stance can change just as quickly in-ring as it can outside. Sports Journalist Ariel Helwani, best known for his works at MMA Fighting and ESPN, reacted to a few of those sudden announcements this October. One of them was Alexander Volkanovski, replacing Charles Oliveira.

Alexander Volkanovski Vs. Islam Makhachev
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev (Source: Twitter)

CEO Dana White had stated that Kamaru Usman would replace Paulo Costa to face Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout. This was because Costa had health issues. Another important news came in the form of the separation of the promotion from USADA’s anti-doping program this month. After controversies regarding Conor McGregor‘s return, USADA accordingly announced the intention in a lengthy statement.

Last but not least, the UFC 294 main event would see UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev test his mettle against Volkanvski in a hyped rematch. In what White dubbed the biggest rematch within the division, the current featherweight champion would aim at two-division glory against champion Makhachev.

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