UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell is no stranger to making controversial claims and has done so once again in regards to his division's champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Mitchell is one of the biggest prospects in the 145-pound division but recently suffered the first loss of his career at the hands of Ilia Topuria at UFC 282. 'Thug Nasty' was largely outclassed throughout the fight before surcumbing to an arm-triangle choke midway through the second-round.
Despite the loss, the 28-year-old has remained true to form with his controversial takes, this time taking aim at 'The Great'.
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In an interview with ESPN's Brett Okamoto, Bryce Mitchell stated that Alexander Volkanovski has only fought 'easy' opponents, despite him having multiple wins over Max Holloway, The Korean Zombie, and Brian Ortega. Mitchell said:
"I can knock Alexander Volkanovski the f**k out for $10 million. I'm tired of him talking about there being no other contenders. He aint fighting the toughest motherf***ers, that's what's up with him. He's getting the easy fights and these contenders are taking eachother out."
He added:
"He's getting paid 100 times what I'm getting paid to fight motherf***ers that ain't even as hard as me. That's what's going on. Alexander Volkanovski wants to fight an easy contender? I'm right here. Somebody he can just beat up for easy money? I'm here baby, easy money."
Catch the full interview here:
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Daniel Cormier weighs in on Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier recently gave his take on Alexander Volkanovski's chances vs. lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and stated that the biggest upset in UFC history could be on the cards.
Volkanovski has dominated the 145lb division in recent years, beating Max Holloway three consecutive times as well as holding wins over Brian Ortega, the Korean Zombie, and Jose Aldo.
Due to his success at featherweight, the Australian has decided to test the waters in the division above and take on Makhachev at UFC 284.
Speaking on his podcast, 3 Rounds with Daniel Cormier, 'DC' gave his take on what could be one of the biggest fights in MMA history. He said:
"There have been a number of upsets in mixed martial arts... In my opinion, Volkanovski wins this fight, it's the biggest. It's bigger than anything we've seen because, I'm telling you, when you get into the details of this matchup, it seems a very hard match for Volkanovski to win because his skill set is almost catered for a guy like Makhachev because of Makhachev's ability to stand and also his size."
Cormier added:
"Volk is a very big guy. Remember, we've spoken ad nauseam about how big he was when he played rugby, but that doesn't matter, he's still shorter. Because he's shorter it makes for him - Makhachev - to use the leverage against Volkanovski. I believe that this would be the biggest upset in mixed martial arts history."
Catch the full video here: