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Volkanovski Analyzes Potential Makhachev Loss, Outlines Lightweight Division Strategy

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. loss-outlines-lightweight-division-strategy.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, March 21st 2026 at 2:28 GMT by sportskeeda.com
      Locales: AUSTRALIA, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, UNITED STATES

Sydney, Australia - March 21st, 2026 - UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski continues to demonstrate a fighter's mind extends far beyond the Octagon. While still keenly focused on a potential trilogy fight with Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, Volkanovski has offered a detailed analysis of what a Makhachev loss would mean for the entire 155lb division - and how he would strategically capitalize on it.

Volkanovski has twice challenged Makhachev for the Lightweight title, falling short on both occasions, but these experiences haven't diminished his respect for the champion, nor his meticulous planning. In a recent interview, 'The Great' delved deep into the potential ramifications of a Makhachev defeat, painting a picture of a revitalized and opportunistic Lightweight roster.

"I always think about this, what happens if he loses?" Volkanovski stated. "That's all I think about, what does that look like? That's when the game changes. That's when all the guys that are kind of fading away, they start coming back around, and you've got to be really careful and pick your battles. I've been there, you know?"

This isn't just idle speculation. Volkanovski is alluding to a well-documented phenomenon in combat sports: a champion's aura of invincibility diminishes with a single loss. Suddenly, fighters previously hesitant to challenge the king become emboldened, sensing vulnerability. More importantly, the leverage in fight negotiations shifts dramatically. A defeated champion is no longer in a position to dictate terms, opening the door for previously unconsidered opponents and potentially less lucrative deals.

Volkanovski's comments come at a pivotal moment for the Lightweight division. Several contenders are currently circling, including Charles Oliveira, who has been vocal about a rematch with Makhachev, and emerging talents like Arman Tsarukyan. A Makhachev loss would likely throw the division into immediate chaos, with multiple fighters staking their claim to a title shot.

"You gotta be careful what you pick," Volkanovski explained. "You wanna pick the right one, cause you're still going to get tested. Even if he loses, he's still a dangerous dude. That's what makes it so interesting. You wanna be that guy to step up and look like you're the one that took advantage of it. You gotta pick the right one."

This highlights Volkanovski's keen understanding of not just who his opponent is, but when to fight them. He's not simply looking for an easy victory; he's seeking a fight that maximizes his chances of success and solidifies his legacy. He recognizes that defeating a champion immediately after a loss carries significant weight - it's viewed as a decisive statement of dominance.

The strategic implications extend beyond just the immediate next fight. Volkanovski's assessment suggests he's already analyzing potential opponents beyond the obvious contenders. He's likely considering fighters who might have faded from the top of the rankings but could still pose a dangerous threat, offering a tricky stylistic matchup or benefiting from the post-loss uncertainty surrounding Makhachev. He is playing 4D chess, thinking several moves ahead.

Volkanovski's own career is a testament to this strategic approach. He has consistently faced and overcome a diverse range of opponents, adapting his game plan to exploit their weaknesses. His championship reign at Featherweight is built on calculated risks and intelligent matchmaking. He's not afraid to challenge himself, but he always does so with a clear understanding of the potential rewards and risks.

While he still appears determined to secure a third fight with Makhachev, Volkanovski's comments serve as a reminder that the UFC is a dynamic and unpredictable world. A single loss can dramatically alter the landscape, and the smartest fighters are those who can anticipate and capitalize on these shifts. He is essentially saying, a shaken Makhachev will be a very different beast than the one he has faced previously, and it will require different preparation. The Lightweight division is on notice: Volkanovski is watching, analyzing, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.