UFC 284: Islam Makhachev’s crazy training camp ahead of Volkanovski title fight

Islam Makhachev is a fighting machine and an overwhelming favourite to defeat Aussie Alexander Volkanovski this Sunday in his first title defence. But what makes this Russian so feared? Find out here.

Islam Makhachev is favourite against Alex Volkanovski. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Zuffa LLC

Who is Islam Makhachev? How is he an overwhelming favourite to defeat the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet, and why is his face on Alexander Volkanovski’s knee?

Just days out from the most highly-anticipated match-up in recent UFC history, the verbal barbs are flying between the Dagestani danger man and Alexander ‘The Great’.

The Aussie angered his rival last month with a hilarious Instagram post of his left knee, captioned: “Yo Islam … your belt’s got my name on it and my knee’s got your face on it.”

But Makhachev claims the bookies have it right. Volkanovski may as well not turn up because his defeat is as certain as death and taxes.

Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski Picture: Brett Hemmings/Zuffa LLC

“He jokes too much,” Makhachev mused to Fox Sports.

“And when that cage door closes, he’s going to forget all jokes.”

For some this pre-fight ritual can be more exciting than the action in the octagon; the back-and-forth pot shots and low blows on social media and in newspapers that give your rival motivation and the fans their hero and villain.

In Perth on Sunday the villain will undoubtedly be Makhachev – the reigning and defending UFC lightweight champion who is already printing his winner’s T-shirts, such is the brash bravado of a man with claims to be the best of all time when everything is said and done.

He made Charles Oliveira look amateurish and now he wants to put Australia’s hero on the canvas at home.

Makhachev, as the kids like to say, is built different.

He made that abundantly clear when footage of his unorthodox training camp reached social media last month, showing the 31 year old diving shirtless into subzero waters and making snow angels in his underwear, before sprinting into a sauna to sweat it all out.

They say actions speak louder than words and for the layman, such a display of wanton disregard for the cold is intimidating.

Khabib Nurmagomedov shocked the world when he pounded UFC darling Conor McGregor into a pulp at UFC 229 and now he’s in Makhachev’s corner, scheming a similarly-styled announcement to the world.

Makhachev is built different. Picture: AFP

But Volkanovski is the pound-for-pound number one. When you rattle the cage and call him an underdog, you best be ready for the bite back.

“They’re talking about the David and Goliath battle because that’s all they see – and that’s fine, let them talk,” the UFC featherweight champ said.

“Let me be the underdog.”

They’re the immovable forces that have dominated their respective divisions; a combined 48 wins and two losses is the score.

For Volkanovski it’s the chance to snatch the elusive ‘Champ Champ’ crown as a dual UFC champion. Makhachev wants the title of pound-for-pound No. 1 to go with his lightweight belt.

The bookies have Makhachev. Volkanovski says otherwise.

Ultimately, the octagon will decide.