Islam Makhachev shockingly reveals Alexander Volkanovski is the first fighter to call him out in the UFC
In his latest interview with Main Event, UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev revealed that Alexander Volkanovski is the only fighter to have called him out in the UFC.
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Islam Makhachev appeared in an interview ahead of the UFC 284 title fight with UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion and the pound-for-pound #2 fighter in the UFC while Volkanovski is the #1 p4p fighter.
In his interview with Main Event, the Dagestani champion talked about how important the fight is to him and what it would mean to beat the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. Alexander Volkanovski is an Australian champion with a 12-fight win streak in the UFC including 4 successful title defenses.
In the interview, the LW champ revealed that Alexander Volkanovski is the first fighter ever to have called Makhachev out in the UFC. “I could have been champion 2 years ago but all the old fighters avoided me. Now I have solved that problem. Now I’m happy. The first time I hear somebody(Volkanovski) wants to fight me,” Makhachev replied after being asked if other fighters respected him after UFC 280.
Makhachev recently became UFC lightweight champion after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. The Dagestani champ is now scheduled to defend his title for the first time at UFC 284. Makhachev believes he would have a complete legacy after becoming the P4P #1 in the UFC.
Related: Islam Makhachev’s insane cardio; The NELK Boys reveal Dagestani champ’s ‘unheard’ cardio regime
Alexander Volkanovski talks about moving up to lightweight to achieve double champion status in the UFC
UFC featherweight champion and P4P #1 fighter in UFC, Alexander Volkanovski has run through the featherweight division. With no competition to challenge him, the Australian champion is now moving up to the lightweight division to challenge Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 for the lightweight strap.
Volkanovski’s 12-fight win streak in the UFC and the P4P king status have made him a favorable opponent for Islam Makhachev who is also on an 11-fight win streak. Makhachev is the p4p #2 fighter in the UFC and is looking to cement his legacy by defeating Volkanovski in their upcoming bout.
“He’s feeling alpha, he’s feeling good. It’s different when I’m in front of you. Once I put my hands on you, once I grab a hold of you, you realize I’m a strong little b**t**d,” Volkanovski said in the interview. “I want my name in the history books and you need big fights for that,” Volkanovski added.
An already P4P kind, Volkanovski could very well become the greatest fighter in UFC history if he accomplishes his double champion dreams.
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