“STOP THIS!” Islam Makhachev refuses to celebrate head kick knockout against Alexander Volkanovski amidst Israel – Palestine war

Islam Makhachev expressed solidarity with Palestine and called for an end to global conflicts. He deferred future opponent selection to Dana White.

“STOP THIS!” Islam Makhachev refuses to celebrate head kick knockout against Alexander Volkanovski amidst Israel – Palestine war

Fans speculate Islam Makhachev to return on the UFC's Saudi Arabia event (X-UFC News)

Islam Makhachev had things to say about the Israel-Palestine war after his win at UFC 294. Makhachev won the fight via TKO in the first round, earning a performance of the night bonus. In the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Makhachev thanked God first and foremost. Then, he proceeded to talk about what was happening in the world.

He said that he was not celebrating the victory in lieu of standing with Palestine. This is what he had to say:

The cr*zy thing what happened in around the world. Palestine, we stand with you. All us Dua with you. Stop this! Stop this!
Islam Makhachev via post-fight interview after UFC 294 title fight.
YouTube video

The win against Alexander Volkanovski put all doubts to rest as their first fight was extremely close. At UFC 284, Makhachev won a hard-fought unanimous decision win over “The Great” in Perth, Australia. At the time, Volkanovski was ranked 1st and Makhachev 2nd in the pound-for-pound rankings. Now Makhachev is 3rd and Volkanovski 2nd in the rankings, which would be interchanged when updated. Jon Jones sits atop the rankings and will fight in the main event of UFC 295 against Stipe Miocic.

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Furthermore, when Daniel Cormier asked about his future plans, Islam Makhachev shifted that responsibility to Dana White. Makhacehv felt that it was the duty of Dana White to find opponents for him as he was ready to take on anybody. Before, Makhachev voiced interest in fighting the winner of the UFC 296 main event. At UFC 296, Leon Edwards is scheduled to defend the welterweight title against Colby Covington. Covington has already expressed interest in fighting Makhachev. However, both divisions have contenders lining up.

Khamzat Chimaev delivered a powerful message for global peace

UFC 294 was one of the most anticipated events of the year. More than the fight itself, it was expected to be an arena for the fighters to show their support for Palestine. This was due to the event filled with fighters following the Islamic faith. Islam Makhachev, in the main event, delivered a powerful speech showcasing his support. Moreover, Muhammad Mokaev, after his prelims bout, had words of support for Palestine.

Khamzat Chimaev and Belal Muhammad ahead of UFC 294
Khamzat Chimaev and Belal Muhammad ahead of UFC 294 (Image via X/KChimaev)

However, it was Khamzat Chimaev‘s words that echoed around the globe. A visibly emotional Chimaev said this in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. This is what Chimaev said:

"We Muslims, Christians, Jews must live in peace. Let ys live in this world and be happy."
Khamzat Chimaev during the post-fight speech after defeating Kamaru Usman.

Chimaev defeated Kamaru Usman in the co-main event of UFC 294 via majority decision, thus becoming the number one contender at middleweight. Usman took the fight on ten days’ notice, but Chimaev could not dominate “The Nigerian Nightmare.” Unfortunately, Chimaev broke his wrist in the first round, which might have played a part in Usman returning in the second and third rounds after dominating him in the first round.

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