“Styles will decide everything,” the Brazilian told Sports Illustrated. “Islam will try to take the fight to the ground, Volkanovski will try to fight in the stance. The one whose style dominates wins. Our sport is thankless and it will make you pay if Islam underestimates Alex, but I don’t think he will, especially in his first defense.”
At the same time, the Brazilian avoided a direct answer to the question of whether his presence at the UFC 284 tournament in Perth is connected with the announcement of his next fight, or is he going to challenge the winner of the superfight.
“A wounded lion remains a lion – he continues to hunt. This is what I do. I’m working on getting the title back. I want it like never before. That time was not my evening, Makhachev was better. But I’m here and anything can happen. I’m on my way to being a champion again.”
The day before, there was information that a potential challenger fight between Charles Oliveira and Benil Dariush will be part of the UFC 288 tournament, which will take place on May 6.