Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson lauds Islam Makhachev amazing mindset before knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

Islam Makhachev impressively defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Makhachev's future may involve Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, or a potential showdown with Colby Covington.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson lauds Islam Makhachev amazing mindset before knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

The Rock congragulated Islam Makhachev for his mindset (Image via: X/MMA Fighting, The Rock, IMAGO)

Islam Makhachev demolished Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 sending shockwaves inside the MMA community. However, it was his mindset before the fight that caught the attention of Dwayne Johnson a.k.a “The Rock.” Johnson took to Instagram to applaud the lightweight champion of the UFC. This was before Makhachev faced off with Volkanovski in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 294.

The Rock is a big fan of the UFC. He notably put the BMF belt on Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244. This is what he wrote in his Instagram post about Islam Makhachev:

Great insight into @islam_makhachev’s mindset on fight night. All the hard work to prepare is done and the moment is here to walk to that cage, move the crowd and lay it all on the line. Appreciate you brother @islam_makhachev sitting down with our @sevenbucksprod and good luck tonight in your championship fight. #UFC294 #InAbuDhabi.
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At UFC 294, The Rock’s insinuation was spot on. Makhachev was stronger and more aggressive than the pair’s first outing at UFC 284. The defending champion set the featherweight champion with kicks to the body and leg before going for the head. Even though Volkanovski partially defended the kick, it hit his temple and he lost his equilibrium. This eventually led to the finish.

Islam Makhachev did not specify who he wanted next. There are two names that are worthy challengers, Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. Makhachev has already shown his interest in becoming a double champion. Colby Covington will be challenging Leon Edwards for the welterweight title at UFC 296 in December. Both Covington and Makhachev have shown interest in fighting each other.

Dana White picks Charles Oliveira over Justin Gaethje to fight Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski was a short-notice replacement for Charles Oliveira at UFC 294. Oliveira had to pull out due to a gnarly cut he suffered during sparring. In the aftermath of UFC 294, Dana White was asked about who would be the next opponent for Islam Makhachev among Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.

Dana White unhappy with the team of Charles Oliveira
Dana White is unhappy with the team of Charles Oliveira (Image via Imago)

The original plan for the UFC was Islam fighting Oliveira at UFC 294 followed by the winner defending the title against Justin Gaethje before Ramadan 2024. However, Oliveira’s injury changed the plan. This is what Dana White had to say on who is next for Islam Makhachev at the post-fight press conference:

Yeah, I think you give it to Oliveira, but again, these are all questions that I really can't answer right now. When we get home, we'll figure this stuff out and see what's next for everybody.

Dana White is not 100 percent sure of Oliveira getting the next title shot. Oliveira and Makhachev’s first meeting was at UFC 280. Makhachev won the bout via 2nd round TKO. Interestingly, Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Makhachev and Gaethje stated that Oliveira missed the shot and Justin Gaethje would be next in line. Nevertheless, the final decision rests with Dana White and the matchmakers.

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