Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski UFC 284 Odds & Picks: Champion Retains in Hard-Hitting Affair

MMA enthusiasts are just days away from UFC 284, which airs live from RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on Saturday, Feb. 11. While the card is stacked with several noteworthy matchups, the majority of viewers are tuning in for the massive lightweight main event between Islam Makhachev (23-1) and Alexander Volkanovski (25-1).

This is more than just his first UFC title defence 🏆

This is about legacy for Islam Makhachev 🏅#UFC284 | Saturday | BT Sport 1 pic.twitter.com/0NL3syIAOx

— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) February 8, 2023

The fight will see Makhachev defending the UFC Lightweight title against Volkanovski, who happens to be the UFC Featherweight Champion. If successful, Volkanovski would be only the fifth fighter in UFC history to hold two titles in different divisions at the same time. Needless to say, the stakes have never been higher for either fighter.

There are many things to consider ahead of the UFC 284 main event, especially when it concerns the numerous betting opportunities. Fortunately, Betting News has all of your Makhachev vs Volkanovski needs, ranging from the latest odds to our picks for the fight.

UFC 284: Makhachev vs Volkanovski Fight Odds (as of Wednesday, February 8)

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Islam Makhachev -400
• Alexander Volkanovski +285

Bovada Sportsbook

• Islam Makhachev -410
• Alexander Volkanovski +320

BetUS

• Islam Makhachev -400
• Alexander Volkanovski +300

BetMGM

• Islam Makhachev -375
• Alexander Volkanovski +290

Makhachev Unanimously Favored Ahead of UFC 284

Each of the highlighted sportsbooks is in agreement that Makhachev is the odds-on favorite to retain the lightweight gold at UFC 284. His shortest odds to win sit at -410 on Bovada Sportsbook, carrying an implied probability of 80.4%.

It’s hard not to back Makhachev considering that he’s won each of his last 11 fights. He’s also finished each of his last five opponents, winning four of those fights by submission and one by first-round TKO.

Makhachev won the UFC Lightweight Championship from Charles Oliveira in his last fight, defeating the former champion by submission in just two rounds. What’s even more impressive is that Oliveira was on an 11-fight winning streak at the time and that didn’t stop Makhachev from making light work of him, earning ‘performer of the night’ honors in the process.

Having said that, Volkanovski isn’t exactly a scrub.

The 34-year-old Australian fighter is 25-1 in his MMA career, having won each of his last 22 fights. He’s made four successful defenses since becoming the featherweight champion and is now set for his first lightweight bout since his UFC debut in 2016 — a TKO win over Yusuke Kasuya.

Unlike Makhachev, who goes for the finish, Volkanovski enjoys a slower fight that takes his opponents to their limit. Five of Volkanovski’s last six fights have gone the distance, resulting in four unanimous victories and one split decision win.

With the rowdy Australian crowd on his side, Volkanovski will have some extra momentum in his corner. Only time will tell if it’s enough to dethrone the unstoppable force known as Islam Makhachev.

UFC 284 Betting Markets & Trends for Makhachev vs Volkanovski

There isn’t any value on the Makhachev vs Volkanovski moneyline unless you’re looking for an upset. Fortunately, BetOnline Sportsbook has other markets that are more playable.

For example, the most likely method of victory for this fight is for Makhachev to win by submission at +145 odds. Eleven of his 23 all-time victories have come by submission and he’s made opponents submit in four of his last five bouts.

When it comes to Volkanovski, his most likely method of victory is winning by decision at +550. It’s already been mentioned that Volkanovski often goes the distance, however, it’s also important to point out that Makhachev is 8-0 when his fights head to the judges’ table.

Having said that, BetOnline Sportsbook is favoring that this fight won’t go the distance at -180 odds, further stacking the deck against Volkanovski.

If you’re looking to get even more value, there are the method and round combo markets. As it stands, the top option for that option is Makhachev winning by submission in Round 1 at +500 odds. Of his 11 career submission victories, only five have come in the first round.

Meanwhile, Volkanovski’s top method & combo option is to win by first-round KO/TKO at +3000. For reference, Makhachev’s first and only career loss came by first-round knockout.

Makhachev vs Volkanovski UFC 284 Fight Prediction

In what should be a thrilling lightweight showdown, I’m siding with the champion to retain. As great as Volkanovski is, he hasn’t come up to this weight class in nearly seven years. Meanwhile, Makhachev has been dominating the lightweight division and has the defensive and grappling skills to handle whatever the challenger throws at him.

Keeping that in mind, there’s little value behind a Makhachev outright victory, so I recommend taking him to win by submission at +145 odds on BetOnline Sportsbook. Again, Makhachev has the superior grappling skills in this matchup and if he can get Volkanovski on the ground and into a hold, it’ll be lights out for the hometown hero.

UFC 284 Event Details

When is UFC 284?

UFC 284 will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.

Where is UFC 284?

UFC 284 will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

What time does UFC 284 start?

• UFC 284 Early Prelims Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
• UFC 284 Prelims Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Start Time of UFC 284’s Main Card: 10 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC 284?

The early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass, while the prelims will be available on both ESPN and ESPN+, and the main card will be available via pay-per-view (which can be ordered through the ESPN+ app).