Volkanovski trains with Della Madalena ahead of the fight against Makhachev: "He's an inspirational fighter."

For MMA experts , Alexander Volkanovski is arguably the best featherweight in UFC history. The two-time 145-pound champion and former pound-for-pound world champion is currently in Perth training with welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena . The Great is helping Maddalena prepare for his first defense of his belt, a fight set to take place on November 15 against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

The Great , who will accompany his compatriot for five days at his training camp, knows well what it's like to face the Dagestani. In 2023, Volkanovski and Makhachev faced each other twice . In the first instance, the Australian put Islam on the ropes, who ended up winning the fight by decision. Volk subsequently accepted a rematch with just eleven days' notice , which he lost by knockout in the first round.

Despite not being able to defeat Makhachev, Volkanovski has the vast experience of having faced the Russian for six rounds and is offering his assistance to the current welterweight champion . The last time the two fighters trained together was just before the fight between Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad , in which he became champion.

Della Maddalena's trainer, Ben Vickers , assured Fox Australia that Volk's presence will be a boost for the welterweight champion. "He's an inspirational fighter who prioritizes teamwork," Vickers assured. He explained that Volk is focusing especially on grappling .

For his part, The Great is convinced that his teammate and friend will be successful in the fight against Makhachev. "Jack is a welterweight, and against Belal, a wrestler, look how he handled him. He's already a beast on his feet, and I guarantee you that since that fight, his confidence in grappling and takedown defense has reached a whole new level . It's going to be an absolute nightmare," he declared in an interview with Submission Radio . The welterweight title fight will take place on November 15 at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden in New York .