Volkanovsky discusses upcoming match against Makhachov in fighting competition
Jiu-jitsu coach Craig Jones, who tutors UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski, has made a sarcastic remark about Volkanovski's forthcoming title rematch against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The bout, set for October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, will see Volkanovski step in on short notice to replace the injured Charles Oliveira.
In a playful, yet somewhat confusing tone, Jones referred to Makhachev as a "dancer," seemingly mixing up the Brazilian dance Samba with Sambo – a martial art in which Makhachev excels. Makhachev is a former world champion in Sambo, having successfully adapted his skills to mixed martial arts (MMA).
"Beating Makhachev will make Volkanovski the man who vanquished Sambo. It will seal his legacy in MMA because we'll erase that martial art from the annals of combat. Most martial arts resigned in 1993, but somehow Sambo continued to survive until 2023. So, Volkanovski will obliterate Sambo, and we won't hear about that Russian 'dancer' anymore. Why did I call Makhachev a 'dancer'? When I first learned about Sambo, I thought it was the Brazilian dance Samba. And honestly, I'd be more apprehensive of Makhachev dancing Samba," Jones explained.
It is essential to note that Makhachev has already bested one of the most proficient Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, Charles Oliveira, with 21 submission victories, at UFC 280 (December 22, 2022, Abu Dhabi). Oliveira lost to Makhachev via rear-naked choke in the second round, losing his 155-pound championship belt. Jones may want to keep this fact in mind as he prepares for the upcoming bout.
Makhachev, the current UFC Lightweight Champion, hails from Dagestan, Russia, and has a rich background in both freestyle wrestling and Sambo. His Sambo skills have been a cornerstone of his MMA success, particularly his grappling and takedown abilities. Makhachev's victory over Oliveira underlines his formidable prowess on the ground and his ability to secure submissions.
"Craig Jones' playful comment about Islam Makhachev's upcoming mixed-martial-arts bout against Alex Volkanovski humorously hints at the potential impact the fight could have on Sambo, a martial art in which Makhachev excels."
"In his preparations for the title rematch, Jiu-jitsu coach Craig Jones should be aware that UFC Lightweight Champion Makhachev, who hails from Dagestan, Russia, has a strong background in Sambo, a martial art he has successfully adapted to mixed martial arts."
