“I got them big cojones!” Alexander Volkanovski puts out dashing statement after accepting to fight Islam Makhachev on 10 days notice at UFC 294

Alexander Volkanovski replaces Charles Oliveira at UFC 294, facing Islam Makhachev on short notice.

“I got them big cojones!” Alexander Volkanovski puts out dashing statement after accepting to fight Islam Makhachev on 10 days notice at UFC 294

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 (Image via Imago)

Earlier this week, Dana White announced Alexander Volkanosvksi replacing Charles Oliveira at UFC 294. Volkanovski has once again showcased his mettle by agreeing to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. This was done on a 10 days’ notice. This move solidifies the featherweight champion’s reputation as one of the fighters in the UFC who is willing to take on any challenge regardless of the circumstances.

Volkanovski made a bold statement on his YouTube channel Alexander Volkanovski. He said, “A lot of people talk the talk, not many people walk the walk. I get to prove once again, I got them big cojones.” This statement underscores his readiness to face Makhachev. Moreover, it also throws down the gauntlet to other fighters in the division. Volkanovski’s decision to step up on such short notice has been met with a mix of admiration and surprise within the MMA community. It also adds another layer of anticipation to UFC 294, which is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling events of the year.

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This would not be the first time that the two lock horns. “The Great” was Islam Makhachev’s first title defense at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. The fight ended in a unanimous decision in favor of the lightweight champion. Moreover, the fight was also the first instance of the first and second pound-for-pound fighters fighting each other. Makhachev will be fighting for the first time since UFC 284 while Volkanovski defended his title for the fifth time at UFC 290 against Yair Rodriguez.

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Volkanovski is currently the second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter and at present is the longest-reigning champion in the UFC. It is that distinction that enabled him to get a second crack at the lightweight title. Mateusz Gamrot was the official backup for UFC 294, however, the promotion went with the featherweight champion for the event.

Related: WATCH: Alexander Volkanovski summons BJJ icon for midnight rally to Australia for intense 10-day short notice showdown against Islam Makhachev

When Alexander Volkanovski almost defeated Islam Makhachev at UFC 284

In one of the most gripping matches of 2023, Alexander Volkanovski came agonizingly close to defeating Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. It was the first title defense for Islam Makhachev. The contest was so closely contested that many fans are still bitter over its result. The judges’ scorecard, reading 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 in favor of Makhavhev.

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 (Image via: Sporting News)

The scorecard does not illustrate how razor-thin the margin was between the two pound-for-pound fighters. Both champions showcased an incredible display of technique and poise in both striking and grappling. They pushed each other to the limits over five grueling rounds. The climax of the battle came in the fifth round when Volkanovski dropped Makhachev with a precise strike. He followed up by a relentless barrage of ground-and-pound attacks. Many observers believe the judges could have scored the round 10-8 in Volkanovski’s favor. That would have made the contest a majority draw.

Makhachev was able to weather the storm and hear the final bell. However, the closing moments of the fight were dominated by the Australian featherweight champion. This left fans and pundits to ponder what if the bout had gone on a bit longer. The aftermath of the contest was and still is filled with discussions and debates on scoring the bout.

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