“If he’s smart, if his team’s smart…” Islam Makhachev gives BRUTAL reality check to Alexander Volkanovski after claims to fight two months after headkick knockout

At UFC 294, Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski with a brutal knockout. Their previous bout at UFC 284 and Makhachev’s subsequent win were marked with much controversy. This time around, the lightweight king removed any doubts with a head kick and retained the title. At the UFC 294 post-fight conference, an interviewer asked Makhachev what he would advise opponent Volkanovski and his corner.

This is what he had to say on the matter:

He has very big cut. He has to take some rest. Hundred percent! If he's smart, if his team's smart he has to take couple months' rest. Because this is not like choking. This is a head kick! Not just his coach...but his doctor. They have to make this decision too.

Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 post-fight press conference

At the conference, Volkanovski had praised Makhachev for a great set-up on the kick that provided the knockout. He said he hopes to fight Ilia Topuria in January for a featherweight bout. With a big cut above his right eyebrow, it is uncertain when he might be able to make his return to the octagon. Makhachev accordingly advised against this in the strictest of terms.

Makhachev is now at 13-0, intending to tie with mentor and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov for the most number of title defenses in a winning streak. There are no future plans for Makhachev as of now. But with his recent victory and bump in pound-for-pound status, there is more to come.

Conor McGregor calls foul on Islam Makhachev defeating Alexander Volkanovski

UFC 294 saw a brutal rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev. The Australian was defeated in the first round with a kick to the head and follow-up strikes. UFC superstar Conor McGregor had taken to X after the fight to call foul.

Midway through the very first round, southpaw Makhachev lodged his left shin into the opponent’s head. Volkanovski had been wobbled back to the ring, and Makhachev followed up with a swarm of ground-and-pound strikes. “The Notorious” followed through keenly and reciprocated on it. He said Volkanovski was always more susceptible to such moves when fighting a southpaw. But after viewing a new angle, in a since-deleted tweet, he has said that Makhachev won with strikes to the back of the head.

Watching along from a top angle, he has hinted that it is a difficult spot to judge for referee Marc Goddard. With back-to-the-head strikes being illegal, rumors of an overturn have been circulating. McGregor has said he would love to see that happen.

In case you missed it:

• Alexander Volkanovski gets special wish from Billionaire Mark Zuckerberg before stepping into octagon at enemy territory against Islam Makhachev
• WATCH: “We stand here for the Jews” – Joe Rogan brutally trolled for misinterpreting Islam Makhachev’s prayers for Palestine as support for Israel

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