The featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski recently had an interview with Fox Sports Australia. In this interview, Volkanovski revealed his prediction for Pereira vs Prochazka 2. He also revealed who he thought would win between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria. And on top of that, he teased at a permanent move to lightweight and named a potential opponent.
Alexander Volkanovski’s Pereira vs Prochazka Prediction
In the interview Volkanovski made his prediction for Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prochazka 2 known. Volkanovski led off by saying “Pereira, he really has grown on me” and admitted, “I didn’t know much about him other than he and Izzy were rivals”. This has been the case for many Pereira fans who initially knew him for beating Izzy in kickboxing. And as Alex’s career in the UFC has continued he has continued to gain fans with his knockouts and stone-cold attitude.
Volkanovski continued to praise Alex “the more I’ve learned about Pereira, he’s a great fighter who in a short amount of time has done some really impressive things”. A very accurate statement with how quickly he claimed the title at middleweight and again at light heavyweight. Double champ status is something Volk has also strived for so no doubt he’s impressed. He added, “He’s also not just taking short notice fights, but putting his belt on the line, too. And you know how I feel about all of that … I love that sh*t”. Volk is no stranger to short-notice fights himself.
Ultimately with how much he praised Pereira it was no surprise that he predicted, “Pereira knockout, definitely”. A very reasonable pick given how the first fight played out and how Jiri hasn’t really shown much growth. Jiri is still susceptible to leg kicks and is still very open to be hit shown in the Rakic fight. The only real difference for this fight is Jiri isn’t coming off a layoff or injury.
Volkanovki’s Lightweight Move
This interview also revealed that we may be getting Holloway vs Topuria and Volkanvski’s opinions on that fight. Firstly he said, “I’ve heard Ilia and Max is confirmed so I need to talk with the UFC and see what’s going on”. This reveals to us that we are seemingly getting Holloway vs Topuria somewhat soon and that Alex is a little confused.
He did say, “I’d said I wanted some time off – and the UFC wanted me to take some time off – so if that fight is made I need to be OK with it”. Which after the back to back KOs against Topuria and Islam everyone wanted Volk to have time off and were fine with waiting. But Volk has his limits on waiting saying, “But if they are going to do Ilia and Max, I just hoped it would be earlier because I want to fight this year, I don’t want to wait.”. Volkanovski is a guy who likes to stay active so it’s no surprise he’s getting a bit antsy waiting.
He then teased a move to lightweight saying, “So if there is no title fight until next year then I need something exciting – maybe Charles Oliveria“. This would be a very exciting. A win over Olivera would also be great for Volk in terms of getting a ranking at lightweight. This would then allow him to potentially make a permanent move to 155. When asked about featherweight Volkanvoski said, “There is nobody there that excites me, or that I haven’t fought already”. Which is pretty accurate he has fought and beaten most of 145. However there are new names creeping up like Diego Lopes, Mosvar Evloev, Aljimain Sterling, Arnold Allen.
Volkanovski Predicts Holloway vs Topuria
When asked about who he though would win between Holloway and Topuria Alexander Volkanovski said, “I still think Max”. Volk has continuously backed his ex-foe against competition rating Holloway very highly. Volkanovski acknowledged, “Topuria will always have that puncher’s chance. But he won’t be able to take Max down and control him. He’s not going to land too much, either”. clearly favouring Holloway.
He then elaborated further, “he will land here and there, but then you’ve got (to factor in) Max’s chin.”. Which yeah Ilia is bound to land at some point but something Max is known for in his chin. Max has never officially been dropped however in the Gaethje fight it can be argued he did get dropped. Volk also talked bout how Max has evolved, “now Max fights at better range, has angles, has different tools, kicks, he does a lot of things differently after our three fights”. This also true Max has changed as a fighter still improving. This was perfectly demonstrated in the Gaethje fight.
Alexander Volkanovski added, “He doesn’t get hit as much and I think Ilia will find it hard to touch him”. This to is accurate Holloway in his recent fights hasn’t been taking anywhere near the damage he used to. This can be seen in the Gaethje, TKZ, and Allen fights Holloway being more defensively responsible. As a result Ilia will find it more difficult to land on Max. Volk also thought, “even when he does I think Max can take it” which is reasonable. Max has a great chin and hasn’t been eating shots lately so should be able to take Ilia’s power.
The future is uncertain for Alexander Volkanovski and we shall see how it plays out in the coming months.
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images