Alexander Volkanovski offers insightful prediction for the blockbuster UFC 306 main event between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili

Volkanovski analyzes blockbuster main event between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili

Former UFC featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski, like the fans, is salivating at the prospect of this incredibly exciting duel between striker and grappler.

Merab “The Machine” has shown time and again that he uses his stamina as a weapon, which is by far his most impressive trait, whereas “Suga” Sean has gained his fame primarily as an electrifying counter-attacker.

Surprisingly for some, O'Malley was the underdog at the start of the betting odds for the main event at UFC 306, but the odds have since changed and he is now the slight favorite.

Despite Dvalishvili's incredible stamina, Volkanovski believes that while he will face attacks at some points in this fight, he will ultimately get the takedown he inevitably seeks.

“Will (Dvalishvili) be vulnerable to strikes? Yes, I think so. I think Sean O'Malley's eye is incredible, his movement will make it a little bit difficult, but his relentless takedown pressure or his pressure on takedowns, I think he'll get there eventually unless he gets knocked out,” Volkanovski began to explain in a video on his YouTube channel.

“I don't care how good your footwork is, you won't be able to keep Merab away from you unless you turn off his lights. That's the only way to avoid getting taken down,” he continued.

Alexander Volkanovski makes final prediction for UFC 306 main event

Volkanovski then compared Dvalishvili to himself, saying that he finds it difficult to bet against fighters who can only lose by knockout.

“It's always hard for me to bet against guys like Merab. I think he's like me and a lot of other fighters out there who just have a never give up attitude, who are just always there and constantly working hard… I think I have to bet on Merab,” Volkanovski predicted.

Although the 35-year-old's final prediction was for Merab to win by decision, he admitted that he wouldn't be surprised if O'Malley pulled off another viral knockout that would further increase his fame.

The crowd favorite also predicted that Brian Ortega and Valentina Shevchenko would win as underdogs in the People's Main Event and the co-main event of the evening.

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