UFC 284 - Islam Makhachev v Alexander Volkanovski tips & 13/1 acca!

Updated on 2:10pm GMT 10 February 2023

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Content Editor at Free Super Tips, Alex was born in the shadow of Old Trafford and is an avid Man Utd fan. After graduating from university he combined his love of football, writing and betting to join FST and now closely follows goings-on in all of the top European leagues.

This weekend is packed to the brim with top-tier sporting action and the MMA scene is no different as we head to Perth, Australia for UFC 284.

Islam Makhachev headlines the event as he makes the maiden defence of his Lightweight Championship belt against Alexander Volkanovski, but that is far from the only excitement on offer.

Let’s take a look at Bobbie Jackson’s tips for Saturday night’s card. All prices are with bet365 so, if you don’t already have an account, make sure to sign up and receive up to £50 in free bets below!

UFC 284 accumulator

Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski

Best bet – Makhachev to win by KO, TKO, Submission or DQ

The lightweight title and number one pound-for-pound status are up for grabs when Islam Makhachev defends his belt against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Makhachev won the lightweight strap with a submission win over Charles Oliveira last time out at UFC 280.

Volkanovski, who will fight in his homeland of Australia, was immediately named as his opponent as he steps up a division in pursuit of champ-champ status.

He will become just the fifth fighter to hold belts simultaneously in two weight classes if he overcomes Makhachev.

However, that’s much easier said than done with Makhachev tipped by many to eventually surpass the achievements of his countryman and former coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Makhachev is a formidable talent on the ground, boasting 11 wins by submission, while he also packs a punch and has great movement on the feet.

Volkanovski is one of the best strikers around and he has 12 knockout wins on his resume but his ground game is well-below the level of Makhachev.

That lack of ability on the canvas along with the journey he’s been on to step up a division will likely see him fall short inside the distance.

Yair Rodriguez vs Josh Emmett

Best bet – Yair Rodriguez to win

The co-main event sees the interim featherweight belt on the line as #2 Yair Rodriguez faces #5 Josh Emmett.

A shot at champion Volkanovski is on offer for the victor once the Australian returns to his traditional weight class.

Rodriguez has already taken on some of the biggest names in the division, beating Brian Ortega last time out, while he suffered a decision loss to Max Holloway.

Emmett has plenty of momentum, winning five in a row, but he’s yet to face a top-five ranked opponent.

This will be an out-and-out brawl between two very adept strikers but Rodriguez’s awkward style should see him over the line, potentially by decision.

Randy Brown vs Jack Della Maddalena

Best bet – Jack Della Maddalena to win by KO, TKO, Submission or DQ

After coming through Dana White’s Contender Series with a decision win, Australian Jack Della Maddalena has sent shockwaves through the welterweight division, sealing three successive first round knockouts.

Randy Brown is his next opponent with the American, who has been with the UFC since 2016, looking to extend his winning streak to five.

This should be a pure striking contest and Brown, some would argue holds a major advantage due to his superior reach, however, Della Maddalena possesses great footwork and is more than capable of closing the distance to get in the pocket.

Another knockout victory for Della Maddaelna is the pick here as he looks to force his way into the top-15.

Tyson Pedro vs Modestas Bukauskas

Best bet – Modestas Bukauskas to win

Light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas lost three of his four fights when last in the UFC with injuries preventing him from being at his best.

The Lithuanian, who trains in Buckinghamshire, returned to Cage Warriors to seal back-to-back victories and now he gets his second shot at the UFC, facing Tyson Pedro.

Pedro has won his last two fights, bouncing back after a 1-3 run, but he has his work cut out in trying to make it three in a row.

Bukauskas looks a different animal to the one we saw first time around and he looks set to get his arm raised.

Where to watch UFC 284 & what time does it start?

UFC 284 will be broadcast exclusively on BT Sport after they extended their existing partnership, with the event available to watch on BT Sport 1HD, the BT Sport app and the BT Sport website.

UK coverage of the event, which takes place at the RAC Arena, Perth, Australia, will begin at 1am on Sunday, 12th February with the prelim bouts before the main card gets going at around 3am.