Israel Adesanya previews Alexander Volkanovski's UFC 284 homecoming against Islam Makhachev

With the lightweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev less than a week away, Israel Adesanya previewed the UFC 284 main event for Fox Sports Australia.

The No.1-ranked middleweight stated:

"I first met Alex Volkanovski training in Thailand seven years ago. It wasn't his speed or skills that stood out. Nah. It was something else. Something you can't see - grit, determination, an unrivaled appetite for destruction... Islam Makhachev, protege of the great Khabib Nurmagomedov. A devastating Russian wrestler who'll hit you square in the face, take you down, choke you unconscious and shout, 'I told you so'."

Adesanya continued to praise his teammate's stamina and work ethic by saying:

"They say Islam is too big, he's too strong. They don't know what I know, and that's why all the glory, the fame, the championships, and the money, my mate Volk's still the hardest worker in the room. A gas tank that will never stop. A will that won't let him."

Volkanovski is undefeated in four career fights at lightweight. However, he has not competed in the division since his UFC debut back in 2016. His only career loss came at welterweight all the way back in 2013. Islam Makhachev, however, represents his toughest challenge yet, as the lightweight champion's only career loss was in 2015.

Watch Israel Adesanya preview the upcoming lightweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev below:

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Israel Adesanya shares his prediction for UFC 284 main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski will chase greatness as he attempts to become the fifth double champ in UFC history when he faces Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. The featherweight champion's teammate Israel Adesanya previewed the upcoming bout on his YouTube channel, FREESTYLEBENDER, stating:

"Where the fight is going to be won is striking. Islam's a great wrestler. These guys are different. The lightweights from the mountains. The way they've been working and showing off is different... The striking is going to be what plays a factor in this fight. If Volk gets taken down, he'll get back up... I think Volk late stoppage."

While Adesanya's friendship with Volkanovski may create bias, he also has insight as to just what his teammate is capable of inside the octagon. While the featherweight champion will attempt to achieve double champ status, Makhachev will look to become the No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Watch Israel Adesanya discuss Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev's upcoming UFC 284 bout below (starting at the 3:07 mark):