Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Alexander Volkanovski isn’t bothered by people already dismissing his chances against Islam Makhachev. Undersized and underestimated his whole career, Volkanovski relishes the chance to prove his doubters wrong.
“Trust me, he’s going to have big problems with me,” says Volkanovski, who challenges Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 284 in February. "He might think I’m a little guy, but this little guy is going to look pretty big against him.