Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defends his belt against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia on Sunday.
Makhachev won the belt in his last fight, beating Charles Oliveira by submission at UFC 280 and extending his winning streak to 11.
Volkanovski has reigned supreme over the featherweight division since making his UFC debut in 2016, winning 12 in a row with the company, while he is enjoying a 22-fight win streak across a variety of promotions.
The featherweight champion has made four successful defences to rise to number one in the pound-for-pound rankings and he's now seeking a new challenge as he steps up a weight class.
Victory on Sunday would see Volkanovski become just the fifth fighter to hold belts in two divisions simultaneously and will cement his place as one of the best to ever step into the octagon.
However, Makhachev, who sits second in the pound-for-pound rankings, is a formidable adversary looking to follow in the footsteps of friend and former coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.
It's an intriguing contest to cap off an exciting night of action at RAC Arena in the Western Territory.
The co-main event sees #2 Yair Rodriguez and #5 Josh Emmett square off for the interim featherweight belt.
The winner, along with earning the interim title, will get a shot at champion Volkanovski when he returns to his traditional weight class next time out.
UFC 284 Betting Tips
- Islam Makhachev to win by finish @ 5/6
- Yair Rodriguez to win on points @ 6/4
Islam Makhachev to win by finish @ 5/6
After the retirement of Nurmagomedov, Makhachev emerged as the new shining light from Dagestan.
He was trained by Khabib's father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, before his passing in 2020 when Khabib assumed coaching duties to further mould Makhachev.
Makhachev has already mirrored Khabib by claiming the lightweight belt but now he's seeking the number one pound-for-pound tag.
Boasting a Sambo background, Makhachev's wrestling and submission game is yet to be matched and that is unlikely to change when he meets kickboxer Volkanovski.
The Australian's legacy is already secure as one of the greatest featherweights, however, he's set his sights even higher and wants glory in a new division.
Ultimately, his lack of ability on the canvas will likely be his undoing here with Makhachev expected to secure at least one takedown en route to getting a finish.
Backing either fighter to win in round 4 or 5 at 6/1 also offers interest with Volkanovski likely to make his rival work for the win.
UFC Betting Odds
Yair Rodriguez to win on points @ 6/4
There's no doubt as to where the co-main event will play out with two strikers set to duke it out.
Rodriguez and Emmett should put on an out-and-out brawl on the feet as they seek to win the interim featherweight strap.
Rodriguez has been on the cusp of a title shot for the past two years but his loss to Max Holloway slowed his progress, although he's back on track after beating Brian Ortega last time out.
Emmett has won five in a row to put himself in the mix but his resume doesn't boast the same level of opponent to that of Rodriguez.
Both fighters have shown incredible durability throughout their careers, Rodriguez losing twice by knockout and Emmett just once, and it's likely this one goes the distance.
Mexico's Rodriguez is an awkward striker, while his movement and footwork are also superior, offering reason to believe he should out-point his opponent.
Bet on UFC 284 with Betfred here
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