Alexander Volkanovski's apparent size disadvantage may work in his favor against Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to become the UFC's latest double-champ when he takes on Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 next year. 'The Great' will be moving up from featherweight to lightweight and will carry a size disadvantage into the fight.

Makhachev's grappling prowess has led some fans and MMA pundits, such as Josh Thomson, to think that Volkanovski will be too small to deal with the Dagestani. But according to UFC light heavyweight title challenger Jamahal Hill, the size disadvantage may end up helping Volkanovski in the fight.

'Sweat Dreams' recently shared his prediction for the UFC 284 main event on James Lynch's MMA Pros Pick and sided with the current No.1 pound-for-pound UFC fighter Alexander Volkanovski:

"I gotta go with my gut, telling me he's the P4P best... Just 'cause he's smaller, um, smaller dudes can sometimes be harder to grapple just because it's hard to keep a hand on them. And they have really small, strong, good frames. Yeah I think Volk can get up, and stay moving. Stay on his feet, strike and walk [Makhachev] into some traps."

Watch the video below from 1:55:

Islam Makhachev has smothered his opponents using his background in sambo wrestling. The 155-pound champion is a former World Combat Sambo gold medalist and has been touted as 'Khabib 2.0'.

However, it would be a mistake to count Alexander Volkanovski out at this stage. His arch-rival, Max Holloway, had a taller frame than the Australian's next opponent. Although Holloway is a striker as opposed to a grappler, 'The Great' has shown an ability to control fights against much taller opponents.

---

Alexander Volkanovski guarantees he won't "panic" if taken down by Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski will be putting his No.1 pound-for-pound UFC status on the line when he steps into the octagon to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 284.

Makhachev will be hoping to make the first title defense of his reign and no doubt plans on using his superior grappling skills to dominate the Australian.

Given the sophistication of the UFC lightweight champion's ground game, 'The Great' stated that his training camp for this fight has revolved around grappling and submissions.

Volkanovski recently spoke to Michael Bisping on his podcast Believe You Me and said the following about his upcoming bout with Makhachev:

"I need to be ready if the fight does get [to the ground], 'cause there's a good chance he might get a takedown. I won't be surprised if he doesn't. Again, I'm working everything right now. But, if it does [go to the floor], I guarantee you this: I am going to be composed, calm and I will not panic."

Watch the video below from 21:00: