“Just say thank you” Islam Makhachev schools Alexander Volkanovski on manners after boasting Mateusz Gamrot, Dustin Poirier, and others being ready for short notice fight

Islam Makhachev insisted that Alexander Volkanovski thanked him for picking the featherweight champion for their rematch at UFC 294.

“Just say thank you” Islam Makhachev schools Alexander Volkanovski on manners after boasting Mateusz Gamrot, Dustin Poirier, and others being ready for short notice fight

Alexander Volkanovki and Islam Makhachev will headline the main event of UFC 294 ( Image via Instagram )

Islam Makhachev has issued a rather unusual demand to Alexander Volkanovski as they gear up for their UFC 294 rematch. In a turn of events, Volkanovski took the fight on only 11 days’ notice, filling in for Charles Oliveira in the highly-anticipated main event set to unfold in Abu Dhabi.

Volkanovski’s determination for redemption is fueled by his narrow decision loss to Islam Makhachev back in February. He quickly voiced his disapproval of Makhachev’s supposed sole interest in money, emphasizing his deep desire to set the record straight. “I don’t know what mentality or mindset he has; I want to avenge my losses. It burns me. I didn’t get my hand raised, that hurts me…. I accept that, and I’m ready to put on a show.”

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However, Islam Makhachev quickly responded to Alexander Volkanovski‘s allegations. His point was that there would be even potential opponents out there, including Gamrot and Poirier, ready to fight for the title. Makhachev, however, chose to extend this unique opportunity to Volkanovski for the second time, and all he asks in return is a simple “thank you”. ” But I give you for the second time a chance. Just say ‘thank you’, that’s it,” Makhachev said.

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Some fans believe that Volkanovski deserved the victory in their previous bout. Notably, Volkanovski is the reigning UFC featherweight champion. Meanwhile, Makhachev grabbed the UFC lightweight title after defeating Charles Oliveira last October at the Etihad Arena.

Related: “You don’t back your skills?” Alexander Volkanovski confronts Islam Makhachev about rehydration after IV controversy in first meeting

Islam Makhachev is not happy with Jon Jones and the UFC pound-for-pound rankings

Islam Makhachev recently voiced his strong dissatisfaction with the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings. In a bold statement made during the recent UFC 294 media day, the UFC lightweight champion made his stance clear.

Islam Makhachev Jon Jones
Islam Makhachev questions Jon Jones’ position in UFC rankings ( Image via Imago )

Targeting UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones with his words, he stated that if you are a genuine champion, you must be ready to step into the octagon at any time, regardless of the opponent or the number of days’ notice. Islam Makhachev questioned Jones’s position as the top-ranked fighter.


Makhachev noted the absence of certain notable names in the pound-for-pound rankings and expressed his discontent. He called it “bullsh*t” and decided to distance himself from these rankings. Makhachev’s frustrations are rooted in his own achievements and performance. He defeated Volkanovski at UFC 284. However, despite his victory, he went down from the second spot to the No. 3 spot, with Volkanovski and Jones ahead of him.

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