Alexander Volkanovski is determined to become the first fighter to solve the Dagestani wrestling puzzle that Islam Makhachev presents in their upcoming lightweight title fight at UFC 284.
The winner of this bout will be crowned the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, making it a particularly significant matchup for both fighters.
Speaking to Michael Bisping in a recent interview (h/t Alexander K. Lee), Volkanovski explained why beating Makhachev is more important to him than attaining champ-champ status. He described Makhachev, who many believe is unbeatable, as the toughest challenge of his career.
“No disrespect to them, but that’s why this fight is so big to me,” Volkanovski said on a recent episode of Believe You Me.