Volkanovski Sets High Bar in Grip Strength Test Ahead of UFC 314 Title Fight

Miami is set to host a monumental UFC 314 event this Saturday, and before the main event even begins, Alexander Volkanovski has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with – not just in the cage, but in pure physical strength. As part of the pre-fight build-up, a series of grip strength tests were conducted amongst the main card fighters, providing a fascinating insight into their raw power.

Volkanovski, already the heavily favored challenger for the vacant featherweight title – previously held by Ilia Topuria, who vacated it earlier this year – dominated the competition, registering a remarkable 131.2 pounds. This score placed him just 1.6 pounds behind Jon Jones’s astonishing display at a previous strength test, showcasing a level of strength rarely seen in the sport.

Diego Lopes, Volkanovski’s opponent, also performed well, recording a solid 121.8 pounds. Michael Chandler, widely considered one of the most dominant wrestlers in the UFC, registered a more modest 127.6 pounds, testament to his wrestling prowess.

Co-Main Event Stakes Soar with McGregor Interest

The already captivating co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler has been elevated to new heights. Following Conor McGregor’s expressed interest in fighting the victor of the bout—I want to call him up and tell him to get in the ring with the winner! – a potential clash between McGregor and either fighter looms large, injecting enormous excitement into the card.

This added incentive dramatically increases the pressure on both competitors, adding an extra layer of strategic complexity to their preparations.

Beyond the Heavy Hitters: A Look at the Entire Main Card

The UFC 314 card boasts a wealth of exciting matchups. Patricio Pitbull will face Yair Rodriguez in a crucial featherweight showdown, while newcomer Patríckio Pitbull makes his UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez.

Here’s a breakdown of the grip strength test results:

• Alexander Volkanovski: 131.2 lbs
• Diego Lopes: 121.8 lbs
• Michael Chandler: 127.6 lbs
• Jean Silva: 103 lbs
• Patricio Pitbull: 104 lbs
• Paddy Pimblett: 101.4 lbs
• Jim Miller: 119 lbs

Note: Jim Miller’s impressive score reflects his extensive experience and submission skills within the UFC.

Drake’s ‘Curse’ – A Recurring UFC Theme?

Adding another layer of intrigue to the event, speculation surrounds a potential wager placed by Drake. I wanna call him up and tell him to get in the ring with the winner! Historically, bets placed by the rapper have been associated with a perceived ‘curse,’ with numerous fighters experiencing setbacks after Drake has publicly wagered on them.

Recently, Drake has placed a $545,000 wager on Volkanovski to reclaim his featherweight title The weight of this potential bet undoubtedly adds extra pressure on the champion as he heads into his title defense.

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Did you know? Grip strength tests like these offer a fascinating glimpse into the physical dominance of fighters in the sport.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on fighters’ training regimens – strength and conditioning are just as crucial as technical skill in the pursuit of UFC greatness.

Reader Question: Do you believe grip strength is a significant predictor of success in the UFC?

Source:

(Various articles cited on Bloodyelbow.com regarding UFC 314 details and Conor McGregor’s interest.)

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