Alexander Volkanovski’s coach Joe Lopez thinks his fighter can defeat not only the current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev but also Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Only a few days remain until the highly anticipated bout between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, and Volkanovski’s trainer has already given his reasons for believing his fighter will triumph over Makhachev.
Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) is a phenomenal champion. The way he carries himself, his mindset, and outlook on life.
It would be easy for him to keep cleaning up at FW.
Many would say they’d move up and challenge Islam, but would they actually do it?
Dare to be great. pic.twitter.com/JGl5yWwvvg
— Lewis Simpson (@LewisSimpsonMMA) February 7, 2023
Lopez has worked closely with Volkanovski for quite some time, thus it is reasonable to assume that he is familiar with Volkanovski’s strengths and limitations like no other yet according to him a lot of people don’t understand how strong Alex actually is.
Volkanovski excelled at multiple weight classes, but his featherweight dominance stands out. The Australian fighter, undefeated in twelve UFC fights, is going to meet the lightweight champion in an attempt to become a double champion.
Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t want to hear excuses about no Khabib Nurmagomedov after he wins at UFC 284 https://t.co/E1vFl8GXT4 pic.twitter.com/zTWUDHB3ZV
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 1, 2023
According to Volkanovski’s coach, Islam probably will take Alex down, but will not hold him down for long which will discourage Islam once Alex keeps getting back up and it will weaken the Russian fighter mentally.
‘I think Alex is probably a better wrestler. If he gets taken down he will get back up. Alex always wants to improve and he’s always trying something new.’ said Lopez.
Volkanovski's head coach Joe Lopez doesn't get enough appreciation pic.twitter.com/adG7eyXp50
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) June 30, 2022
Lopez agrees with the featherweight champion that Alexander has a legitimate shot at beating No. 2 pound-for-pound opponent Islam, as well as former lightweight champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
‘Conor’s a great striker and a great athlete, but he’s been out of the game for a while and I think the hunger isn’t there like it was. He’s never done well against wrestler-grapplers – and people think Alex is just a striker, but originally he was a grappler’ Lopez added.
Alexander Volkanovski’s head coach Joe Lopez is back gracing the It’s Time For Sports screen tomorrow to chat all things #UFC284.
If there’s anything you want to know, drop it in this here thread.
To check out the channel, visit: https://t.co/YHpyL8u4zQ pic.twitter.com/o1tugG6B92
— Christopher Reive (@ChrisReive) January 17, 2023
Do you think Volkanovski will be able to beat the Dagestani fighter on February 11 at the RAC Arena?
