Alexander Volkanovski (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

The betting lines have Alexander Volkanovski has a fairly, significant underdog for his bout with Islam Makhachev on Saturday. But, Yair Rodriguez has outlined why he believes the featherweight champ could pull off the upset.

Volkanovski is moving up to lightweight at UFC 284 to battle the reigning, champ. Due to Makhachev’s run in the UFC to date, and on account of his vaunted wrestling and ground game, he is a considerable favorite to win.

While speaking ahead of UFC 284, however, Rodriguez explained why he’s not counting out Volkanovski (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I don’t count out Volkanovski, not even a little bit. I don’t count him out at all. He’s the pound-for-pound guy for a reason.”

“He’s going to have to move a lot, keep out of range, enter quickly and use angles so that Islam can’t have much contact with him. It’s all depending on strategy,” Rodriguez also noted in the interview. “That’s why this fight is so interesting. It all depends on the strategy that they bring. If Volkanovski tries to meet Islam with wrestling, he’s going to lose. If he tries to keep at a distance and be the smarter fighter, he could win.”

Volkanovski (25-1) is coming off his third, decision win over Max Holloway, which took place in July.  Makhachev (23-1) secured the lightweight title in October, by submitting Oliveira in round two.

Rodriguez (14-3), meanwhile, will face Josh Emmett (18-2) for the interim featherweight title on Saturday.