Michael Bisping highlights potential 'cause for concern' for Alexander Volkanovski against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294

Michael Bisping has highlighted a potential “cause for concern” for Alexander Volkanovski ahead of his rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.

Volkanovski was beaten by Makhachev via unanimous decision when they met earlier this year in Australia.

This time around Volkanovski comes into the fight as a late replacement for Charles Oliveira, who pulled out due to a cut above his eye.

Volkanovski has said he has a “fresh head” and is “physically and mentally fresh” ahead of the fight in Abu Dhabi on October 21, live on TNT Sports.

However, TNT Sports expert Bisping has concerns over whether Volkanovski will be in the same condition as he was when he lost to Makhachev earlier this year.

“We know he is very professional, he is the pound for pound No. 2, and takes it very seriously. But three months ago he had surgery and a month ago his wife gave birth and now he is taking the fight on 10 days’ notice and has a long flight. Is he going to be in the same condition? The honest answer is going to be a no,” said Bisping on TNT Sports Fight Week.

“In the first fight he knew it was coming for a long time and he beefed up and put some muscle on because he was moving up to 155lbs. Along with that he would have ensured he was in the best physical condition. There is no way on 10 days’ notice he can replicate that kind of conditioning.

“If I am in the camp of Volkanovski that does give me a bit of cause for concern, and on the flip side if I am in Islam’s camp I am looking at that as a real reason why Volkanovski may start to slow down in rounds three and four.”

Volkanovski has said that he is ready to “shock the world” as he looks to inflict just a second career defeat on lightweight champion Makhachev, who holds a 24-1 record.

The first fight was a closely-fought contest and having rewatched it this week, Bisping thought Volkanovski edged it.

“Yesterday I watched the first fight back and I think Volkanovski won by a close margin three rounds to two,” he said.

Bisping also believes there is plenty at stake for Volkanovski, despite seemingly coming into the rematch as the underdog.

“A lot of people may say that Volkanovski has nothing to lose and that’s true from the featherweight title perspective, but the bigger thing in play is the pride of the fighter.

“We all want to be the best and want to know that if we step in an octagon with someone we can beat them. The history books have shown that Islam won the first time. If Volkanovski goes out and loses this fight on 10 days’ notice then it’s over. That is what’s at risk.

“Because the history books will show two wins to zero for Islam Makhachev. And Volkanovski more than likely won’t get a third shot.”

The co-main event at UFC 294 features another late replacement, Kamaru Usman, taking on the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev.

Usman comes into the fight on the back of successive defeats to Leon Edwards.

Even though Chimaev has not fought for over a year, Bisping believes he has an “aura of invincibility” as he makes his return.

“I don’t think it’s the same Kamaru Usman but there is an opportunity for him to reinvent himself and put those two losses behind him,” he said.

“You have to think Usman is coming towards the end of his career, and devastated from those two losses to Leon this is the perfect way to rebound, reinsert himself as one of the top dogs and become a two-weight division champion. There is a lot of motivation.

“I think Chimaev is probably the faster guy on his feet, he looks incredibly sharp on all the videos I have seen. Wrestling wise they are both very strong, but in terms of momentum, Chimaev is on fire, he has this aura of invincibility surrounding him, while Usman got crushed by Leon the last two fights.”

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