“All answers in Abu Dhabi,” Islam Makhachev vows to clear unanswered questions from Alexander Volkanovski first fight at UFC 294

UFC 294 fight card amended: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 will headline after Charles Oliveira pulled out.

“All answers in Abu Dhabi,” Islam Makhachev vows to clear unanswered questions from Alexander Volkanovski first fight at UFC 294

Alexander Volkanovski Vs. Islam Makhachev (Source: IMAGO)

UFC 294 was dealt a major blow just weeks away from the event. The fight card saw an alteration with Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski rematch after Charles Oliveira had to withdraw. The promotion pivoted to a rematch between the lightweight champion and the featherweight champion to save the card. UFC CEO Dana White brought the best fighter to replace Oliveira at UFC 294.

“I am happy, because after the last fight, we had many questions,” said Makhachev to Daniel Cormier in an interview with ESPN MMA. “But I will give all answers in Abu Dhabi.” During the interview, Makhachev also pointed out that when the bout was close, it gets categorized into split decisions. But the last time they faced, Makhachev took the win home with a unanimous decision over Volkanovski, despite at-par efforts. He plans to do the same again.

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UFC 284 saw the epic clash between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Despite all three judges giving the nod to Makhachev, featherweight champion Volkanovski impressed everyone. Volk gave Makhachev all he could handle, and his performance received critical acclamation. He had Makhachev almost pinned late in Round 5. The decision led to a lot of questions among fans of the MMA world about the fight result (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).

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The UFC booked a title rematch between Makhachev and Oliveira as the main event at Etihad Arena. However, Oliveira suffered a gruesome cut that led to his withdrawal. His return to the octagon will likely not happen this year. Meanwhile, Makhachev will hope to convincingly defeat Volkanovski the second time.

Related: Did Alexander Volkanovski undergo surgery? Know all about featherweight champion’s injuries before fighting Islam Makhachev at UFC 294

Khabib Nurmagomedov weighs in on Alexander Volkanovski’s rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294

UFC CEO Dana White had announced that featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has agreed to step in on 11 days’ notice to replace Charles Oliveira. Volk will face Islam Makhachev again in a rematch. This is the second face-off between the title holders in less than a year. They faced each other last time at UFC 284. Khabib Nurmagomedov gave his thoughts on the fight.

Alexander Volkanovski Vs. Islam Makhachev
Alexander Volkanovski Vs. Islam Makhachev (Twitter)

Nurmagomedov admired that Volkanovski looked good as he held up against Makhachev. The lightweight legend, in his own right, had boasted that his friend Makhachev was more than capable of taking on anybody. Nurmagomedov was of the opinion that if anybody could make 155, it might just as well be Volkanovski. On his Instagram, he mentioned that Makhachev was the world champion, so it would not faze him regardless of who he faced.

Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) retained his title in a unanimous decision win over Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC). They now are slated to face off for a rematch, with the latter preparing on very short notice.

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