UFC 284 odds: Islam Makhachev a heavy favorite, featherweight clash has close lines

Islam Makhachev will take on featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, in pursuit of the Australian's status as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter. Volkanovski, on the other hand, has the opportunity to achieve double-champion status at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on February 12, 2023.

In the co-main event, top-ranked featherweight contenders Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett will square off for the interim 145-pound title.

Islam Makhachev is the heavy favorite to successfully defend his championship this Saturday. He is currently riding a 11-fight win streak and is fresh off a spectacular performance against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.

According to Fightodds, Islam Makhachev is the favorite at -365 on DraftKings, the first official sportsbook and daily fantasy partner of the UFC. Volkanovski is the underdog at +300.

Thereby, the payout for a $100 wager on Makhachev would be approximately $127, whereas a similar wager on Volkanovski would result in a payout of $400 (based on DraftKings odds). The odds in the co-main event favor Yair Rodriguez (-165) over Josh Emmett (+140).

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Islam Makhachev is determined to showcase his striking skills against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284

The premise that Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev are ranked one and two respectively in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings attests to the fact that they are two of the most well-rounded MMA fighters currently on the roster.

While Volkanovski appears to have the upper hand in the striking department, Makhachev is the superior wrestler. Analysts believe the outcome will depend on which contender is able to best impose their gameplan on their opponent.

Makhachev has won 11 consecutive bouts, the most recent coming in October last year at UFC 280 against Charles Oliveira, who was on a 11-fight win streak of his own.

34-year-old Volkanovski has an incredible 22 straight victories, the most recent coming in July last year at UFC 276 when he won a unanimous decision against Max Holloway.

While previewing the upcoming clash in a recent interview with ESPN Deportes, Makhachev claimed that he plans to showcase his striking skills against Volkanovski:

“Honestly, I want to knock him out. Everybody says Islam is a grappler or wrestler. But I want to show people my striking. He’s a short guy, and I really believe I can knock him out...This is not his area. I am from (the lightweight) division. This is not the same power. Not the same. He’s going to understand this.”

Catch Makhachev's comments below: