UFC 280: Alexander Volkanovski gives prediction for Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev

Charles Oliveira will take on Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 280 on Saturday – and Alexander Volkanovski has predicted the winner.

Volkanovski will serve as the official backup for the main event, which will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Former lightweight champion Oliveira, 31, is on an impressive ten-fight win streak that stretches back to June 2018.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist has shown an incredible amount of courage in his last two outings against Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.

Makhachev's win over longtime veteran Bobby Green - who he beat in the first round - meanwhile has cemented his place as a legitimate title contender.

And UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski has revealed who he believes will win as he made his prediction for the fight.

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"Obviously, I’ve been studying these guys so I sort of know how this will go and how I’ll approach it, but how is Charles gonna approach it? How is Islam gonna approach Charles?” he said on his YouTube channel per MMA Fighting. “We don’t know, but I think if I had to lean towards someone it would have to be Islam.

“No disrespect to Charles because Charles has proved himself, but I just think stylistically that’s maybe how I see it going.

"Either late finish, whether it’s kimura, armbar, arm triangle, that type of stuff, or decision.

"And obviously, if I need to step in, you never know.

"As I always say, you know I’m a safe bet.”

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Volkanovski, 33, also believes that Makhachev's sambo wrestling will give him an advantage over Oliveira.

“Charles is