Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovksi 2 is fast approaching. After a few chaotic days, the UFC delivered another exciting main card fight for UFC 294. The two will compete for the lightweight title and will look to settle the debate of the first fight. And the Russian has a message for Volkanovski ahead of the fight.
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Makhachev and Volkanovski 2 will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. They will headline a card that also features Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman in the co-main event. However, all the focus will be on Makhachev vs Volkanovski. And here’s what the Russian had to say.
Islam Makhachev fires warning at Alexander Volkanovski
The lightweight champion shared his thoughts on the UFC 294 countdown episode. Speaking about their first meeting, Makhachev said, “Volkanovski, this is [was] the hardest fight in my life. Because, I fought [for the] first time, five rounds. But I landed very hard punches. I took him down, I took his back, you have to ask him, ‘what you did to win this fight?’”
This comment shows Makhachev’s honest take on what many called a controversial decision. The Australian had many great moments in the fight. He managed to challenge Makhachev like no one had before him. He even ended the fight with a vicious ground and pound.
Therefore, after the fight, fans and experts expressed their opinions and called it a robbery. Many said Volkanovski did enough to win three rounds. The Australian himself expressed his disappointment at the decision. Moreover, he wanted an immediate rematch, but was not optimistic about it happening.
Now Volkanovksi has gotten his rematch. However, Makhachev has now explained why he thinks he won. And he wants Volkanovski to speak about what he did in the octagon. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the Australian responds.
What do you make of these comments from Islam Makhachev towards Alexander Volkanovski? Do you think he did enough to win the first fight? Who do you think will win the rematch at UFC 294?