Islam Makhachev News
Alexander Volkanovski reflects on decision to accept short notice rematch with Islam Makhachev
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski spoke about his decision to accept a short notice fight with Islam Makhachev following the conclusion of today’s UFC 294 event. Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) and Makhachev (25-1 MMA) squared off for a second time in today’s UFC 294 headliner, with the promotion‘s coveted lightweight world title up for grabs.
Dana White states his intentions for Islam Makhachev's next UFC title defense
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Dana White already has an opponent in mind for Islam Makhachev following today’s UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev (25-1 MMA) put his undisputed lightweight world title on the line in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) in this afternoon’s pay-per-view headliner.
UFC 294 Bonus Report: Islam Makhachev one of four fighters to take home an extra $50k
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
The Octagon returned to Abu Dhabi for today’s UFC 294 event, a thirteen-bout fight card headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2. The highly anticipated lightweight title fight rematch proved to be a coming out party for Islam Makhachev. The lightweight champion was able to get the better of Alexander Volkanovski in the striking department right from the opening bell, landing a nice head kick in the opening moments. Shortly thereafter, Makhachev once again connected with a high kick, this time staggering the reigning featherweight champion. The fight hit the floor and Islam quickly finished off the Aussie with some heavy ground and pound.
Pros react after Islam Makhachev KO's Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Today’s UFC 294 event was headlined by a lightweight title fight rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev (25-1 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since scoring a highly debated unanimous decision victory over Volkanovski this past February at UFC 284. Prior to that, the Russian standout had earned a submission win over Charles Oliveira to capture the promotion’s vacant lightweight title at UFC 280.
UFC 294: ‘Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2’ Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - October 20, 2023
The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi for today’s UFC 294 event, a thirteen-bout fight card headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2. Makhachev (24-1 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since scoring a highly debated unanimous decision victory over Volkanovski this past February at UFC 284. Prior to that, the Russian standout had earned a submission win over Charles Oliveira to capture the promotion’s vacant lightweight title at UFC 280.
Dana White believes Alexander Volkanovski will be "one of the greatest of all time" with a win over Islam Makhachev at UFC 294
Cole Shelton - October 20, 2023
Dana White thinks Alexander Volkanovski can help solidify his legacy with a win on Saturday at UFC 294. Volkanovski stepped up on 11 days’ notice to rematch Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 294. The two fought back in February, and it was Makhachev who won a very competitive decision to remain the lightweight champ.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev calls for a rematch between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2023
Islam Makhachev has called on the UFC to book a lightweight title eliminator rematch between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. This weekend, Islam Makhachev was initially scheduled to defend his UFC lightweight championship against Charles Oliveira. Unfortunately, due to a cut in training, Oliveira was forced to pull out. Now, Alexander Volkanovski will be taking his place for a rematch of his own.
Daniel Cormier explains why he would have advised Alexander Volkanovski to “hold off” on accepting Islam Makhachev rematch at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2023
Daniel Cormier has explained why he would’ve advised Alexander Volkanovski against a short notice meeting with Islam Makhachev. This weekend at UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to do the unthinkable. With less than two weeks to prepare, he will step in and battle Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. It will serve as the second time he’s done so following their collision at the start of the year, which ended in a decision win for Makhachev.
WATCH | Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev get heated in a back-and-forth over rehydration: "He needs all the advantages"
Cole Shelton - October 19, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev had a heated back-and-forth over rehydration during the UFC 294 press conference. Volkanovski and Makhachev fought back in February in Australia and after the fight, Dan Hooker accused the lightweight champ of using an IV to rehydrate. Although it has never been proven, ahead of UFC 294, Makhachev claims having 40 hours to rehydrate before this fight will be a difference in his power.
Jon Jones takes the high road while responding to criticism from Islam Makhachev: “Now thats gangsta”
Josh Evanoff - October 18, 2023
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has responded to Islam Makhachev. The lightweight titleholder is set to return to the cage this Saturday night at UFC 294. Back for the first time since February, Islam Makhachev will again face Alexander Volkanovski. At media day earlier this week, the lightweight champion took a bit of a shot at Jon Jones.
Alexander Volkanovski believes if roles were reversed Islam Makhachev wouldn't step up on short notice
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t think Islam Makhachev would have stepped up on short notice like he did. Makhachev was supposed to headline UFC 294 in a rematch against Charles Oliveira this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. However, less than two weeks out from the fight, Oliveira was forced out of the bout due to an injury. Volkanovski ended up stepping up to rematch Makhachev on 12 days’ notice.
Islam Makhachev claims Khabib Nurmagomedov could “easily” come back and defeat current UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland: “Without a doubt”
Harry Kettle - October 18, 2023
Islam Makhachev has stated that he believes Khabib Nurmagomedov would be able to defeat Sean Strickland if he returned to the UFC. It’s been over three years since Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from mixed martial arts. The star from Dagestan walked away with an unbeaten record in his professional career, and while many wanted to see him return at some point, it doesn’t appear as if it’s going to happen.
Dan Hardy claims Alexander Volkanovski rematch is a “far less threatening” fight when compared to Charles Oliveira
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2023
Dan Hardy believes Islam Makhachev has a clearer path to victory against Alexander Volkanovski than against Charles Oliveira. On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight championship against Alexander Volkanovski for the second time. He should’ve been going up against Charles Oliveira, but ‘Do Bronx’ was forced to pull out as a result of a cut sustained in training.
Alexander Volkanovski believes knockout is needed against Islam Makhachev: "Can't afford to do anything else"
Josh Evanoff - October 16, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes he’ll finish Islam Makhachev on Saturday. ‘The Great’ is in a position that he didn’t expect him to be in. Last defeating Yair Rodriguez in July, Alexander Volkanovski was reportedly expected to face Ilia Topuria in January. However, due to an injury to Charles Oliveira, he will step in on short notice to face Islam Makhachev this weekend.
Alex Volkanovski makes plans clear for Islam Makhachev rematch at UFC 294: "I’m going to be a dangerous man in there"
Fernando Quiles - October 15, 2023
UFC featherweight titleholder Alex Volkanovski has his plans set for the short-notice rematch against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski stepped up to the plate after Charles Oliveira was pulled from a planned championship rematch with Makhachev at UFC 294. Oliveira suffered a nasty cut on his eyebrow during a sparring session. The cut was bad enough that “do Bronx” wasn’t cleared to fight in Abu Dhabi.
Robert Whittaker shares his take on Alexander Volkanovski accepting a short notice rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - October 13, 2023
Robert Whittaker has given his thoughts on Alexander Volkanovski taking on Islam Makhachev on short notice at UFC 294. Next weekend at UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski will challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. It will serve as the second time he’s done so, following a tight decision win for Islam earlier this year.
Opening odds released for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski and Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
Cole Shelton - October 11, 2023
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi next Saturday for UFC 294 and the card has changed quite a bit, but Islam Makhachev will remain atop the bill. Makhachev was originally supposed to defend his lightweight title at UFC 294 in a rematch against Charles Oliveira. The co-main event was supposed to be a middleweight fight between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev. However, in the past 24 hours, it was revealed that Makhachev will now be rematching Alexander Volkanovski in the main event for the lightweight title. Also, in the co-main event, Kamaru Usman has replaced Paulo Costa and will now face Khamzat Chimaev.
Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts after Alex Volkanovski accepts short notice rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294
Susan Cox - October 11, 2023
Khabib Nurmagomedov is reacting after Alex Volkanovski accepted a short notice rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. It was to have been Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) vs Charles Oliveira (34-9 MMA) in a lightweight title bout on Saturday October 21st at UFC 294, which takes place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.