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UFC lightweight Rafael Dos Anjos has given his input on the Champion vs Champion fight featuring his division peer Islam Makhachev and featherweight titlist, Alexander Volkanovski.
After snatching the title from Charles Oliviera at UFC 280, Makhachev was immediately given an opponent for his probable next fight. Now the newly crowned lightweight champ will defend his title against Volkanovski in his backyard, in Perth, Australia.
While the two gear up for a mega clash, the outsiders are also taking a keen interest in the battle between the duo. The former lightweight king, Dos Anjos is the latest to share his thoughts on this championship bout.
Dos Anjos has picked Makhachev as the possible winner as he believes the Russian prodigy will prove too much for the rather smaller Volkanovski.
In the meantime, the Brazilian legend has also lashed out at Makhachev for choosing an easier opponent for his first title defence. Dos Anjos argued that the 155 division is no short of talent and that many fighters can dethrone Makhachev from the top.
“Islam’s gonna win that fight,” dos Anjos said. “He could take somebody at lightweight, a real challenge, but this guy… I can’t understand that.”
Makhachev was offered a fight against the Brazilian in February 2022 but the Russian turned the fight in the quest for a title clash against Oliviera which he eventually got in October.
Despite his recent heroics in the octagon, Dos Anjos has shown no interest in contesting for another title run from here on out.