Islam Makhachev Sends Stern Warning To Alexander Volkanovski Before UFC 294
Islam Makhachev has issued a stern warning to Alexander Volkanovski now that the pair are officially set to meet for a second time at UFC 294.
READ MORE: CHARLES OLIVEIRA OUT OF UFC 294, ALEX VOLKANOVSKI STEPS IN
Fans were expecting to see Makhachev take on Charles Oliveira in a highly-anticipated rematch for the lightweight title on October 21 until a nasty cut sustained in sparring forced “Do Bronx” to pull out less than two weeks before the event.
Oliveira’s withdrawal immediately sparked discussion around the possibility of Volkanovski stepping up on short notice, and it didn’t take long for UFC CEO Dana White to confirm that “The Great” had signed on for his second crack at the lightweight belt.
The first meeting between Volkanovski and Makhachev at UFC 284 saw the lightweight champion retain his title via contentious unanimous decision, and ahead of their rematch Makhachev has warned the Australian not to use the fight’s short-notice nature as an explanation for how things may play out in Abu Dhabi.
READ MORE: UFC 294 Main Card Fight Cancelled, TUF Winner Steps In on Short Notice
“Respect for taking this fight on short notice Alex, but don’t use it as an excuse after the fight” - Makhachev wrote.
Makhachev claimed the lightweight title when he submitted Oliveira in the second round at UFC 280 last year. Plenty of fans were excited to see if the Brazilian could get revenge in their rematch, but now the stakes at UFC 294 will arguably be even higher with Volkanovski once again looking to become a two-division champion.
The Australian returned to the featherweight division in July and stopped top contender Yair Rodriguez in the third round, which marked the fifth time that he’s successfully defended his featherweight belt.
“The Great” has been vocal about wanting another fight with Makhachev after their incredibly competitive first meeting. The drama around him stepping up on such short notice to fight in Abu Dhabi should also help revitalize interest in a card that looks as if its middleweight co-main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa may be in jeopardy.
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