Islam Makhachev’s early victory over Alexander Volkanovski came as no surprise to former UFC flyweight champion Peter Yan, who has experience training with the Australian at Tiger Muay Thai Club.
“For me, this storyline was not a surprise because I know Alex, and I know Islam,” the Russian said at the PARI BC press conference. “These are two strong fighters, and when they meet at this level, any second can decide the matter. That’s what happened here.”
“Islam caught his moment and did what he had to do. He’s a versatile fighter who can do anything. He can fence, he can punch – he’s had knockout victories off his hands as well. So, for me, his victory was not a surprise. Islam did everything in a measured and clear manner.”
Recall that the lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski, which headlined UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21, ended at the 3:06 mark of the first round with a victory for the Russian, who shocked his opponent with a kick to the head and then finished the Australian in the parterre.
Peter Yan, who hasn’t stepped into the octagon since March of this year, is scheduled to fight next on March 9 at UFC 299, with the venue still unknown.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/33247-petr-yan-dal-otsenku-pobede-makhacheva-nad-volkanovski.html?rand=19907
