UFC 294 star Islam Makhachev admits Alexander Volkanovski is ‘hardest fight of his life’ leading up to historic rematch

Islam Makhachev discussed his UFC 284 title defense against Alexander Volkanovski, emphasizing it as his toughest fight.

UFC 294 star Islam Makhachev admits Alexander Volkanovski is ‘hardest fight of his life’ leading up to historic rematch

Alexander Volkanovski (image credit- IMAGO)

Islam Makhachev recently shared his thoughts on his UFC 284 title defense against Alexander Volkanovski. Makhchev spoke about it preluding his rematch against Volkanovski at UFC 294.

“The Great” stepped up to face Makhachev on short notice after the original opponent, Charles Oliveira pulled out due to injury. Makhachev has words for Volkanovski about UFC 284. He said, “Volkanovski..This is the hardest fight in my life because i fight first time five rounds. But I landed very hard punch, I take him down, I take his back. You have to ask him. What you did to win this fight?”

In the aftermath of UFC 284, Volkanovski and his camp claimed that they were robbed. His teammates, Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker voiced their dissent about the result on numerous occasions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kjk34xfZVU&t=505s

The first meeting between the two was closely contested. Islam Makhachev won the bout 48-47×2 and 49-46 on the judges scorecard. Many fans thought Alexander Volkanovski was robbed mainly due to the fifth round where the Australian dropped the Russian and the round ended with the featherweight champion raining ground and pound on the lightweight champion. Makhachev has not fought since UFC 284.

Volkanovski on the other hand headlined UFC 290 against interim featherweight champion, Yair Rodriguez. He won the fight by TKO. Volkanovski’s next bout was to be against Illia Topuria at UFC 297 in Vancouver, Canada. However, with Charles Oliveria injured, Volkanovski immediately stepped in. It remains to be seen whether he will fight Topuria in January 2024.

Related: “Proud of you champ,” Jon Jones backs Israel Adesanya’s courageous hiatus to protect heart and spirit after loss to Sean Strickland

Preluding UFC 294, Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that Islam Makhachev at least won 3 rounds at UFC 284

Khabib Nurmagomedov recently joined the training camp of Islam Makhachev for UFC 294. He had stern words to say about Alexander Volkanovski’s camp’s claim of being robbed at UFC 284. Nurmagomedov was not in Makhachev’s corner at the event.

The corner of Islam Makhachev
The corner of Islam Makhachev (Image via MMA Fighting)

Watching the replay of the bout again with Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov said, “It was 3-2 or 4-1, 100 percent. Islam defended his title.” Nurmagomedov is presumed to be absent in the corner of Makhachev at UFC 294. Javier Mendez confirmed it on his interview with Submission Radio which was ironically cut short by Islam Makhachev. “The Eagle” along with head coach, Javier “Thunder” Mendez had no qualms about facing Volkanovski on short notice.

Moreover, Mendez was indeed happy to face the Australian champion. He felt that they had unfinished business with him. Mendez was of the opinion that they had already stamped victory against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Nevertheless, Mendez expects a thought fight from the featherweight champion.

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