Islam-Volk : I've made my stance on Volk getting the shot well known, so I'll leave that part of it alone. The big questions here are 1) how does the last minute nature of the fight affect things and 2) what changes will each guy make.
For Islam, I don't think there's many changes. He's like Khabib in that he does what he does. Try to stop it. He's going to be patient on the feet, read his opponent to pick his spots, and create grappling scenarios when he can. I don't think much changes based on opponent.
For Volk, 1) I wouldn't normally worry about it. Seems like a guy who's always in the gym and in shape, but what about his surgery? Did he take time off? Or was he still able to get work in? How's his cardio going to hold up? All that. 2) I think Volk's gotta make more of the changes. I think he needs to use more leg kicks. Body and head kicks are probably too risky and inviting the takedowns, but he landed a number of leg/calf kicks. I think if he can start to damage Islam's leg, Islam might start getting a little more desperate for takedowns making him more 1 dimensional. Plus, Islam was getting tired in the first fight. If he starts shooting and getting stuffed, he's only going to drain faster. Volk said in his interview with Ariel he gave Islam too much credit last time. I think that's probably true, too. I think he might come out with a little more snarl this time.
Chimaev-Usman : As I said in the other thread, I'm still picking Chimaev, but I think it's going to be a tough fight. I think it definitely helps Chimaev that it's only 3 rounds. I'm curious to see if Chimaev is still in that "I'm going smesh anybody they put in front me" phase or if he got humbled a bit by Burns. I'm guessing the former and outside of a quick KO, I don't see anybody smashing Usman.
Ankalaev-Walker : Ankalaev needs a big win. People really stopped talking about him after that dud against Jan. He needs a dominant finish to get the Jiri-Pereira winner. I've doubted Walker before, but I just don't think he's that good. He's dangerous, but over time, I think Ankalaev asserts himself.
I'd be lying if I said I really knew anything about the rest of the card. I mean, I know Said and Elliot and maybe a few others, but nothing about their opponents. Certainly not enough to give any sort of comments.
