In today’s MMA news, Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, is targeting a stoppage win over Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 on October 21st, 2023. 

The two MMA fighters will run things back following their first showing at UFC 284. During the course of that process, Makhachev was given a unanimous-decision win.

While that may have been the case, the decision did divide the MMA community with some feeling that Volkanovski had done enough to win the lightweight title. Therefore, moving forward, Volkanovski is targeting a stoppage to remove any doubt over the result. 

Volkanovski Wants A Stoppage

"I believe I finish him. You’re going to see one of the most dangerous Volkanovskis you’ve ever seen. Purely because I can’t afford to do anything else, that’s the way I’m looking at it. I want to look at it that way. It’s like I’m looking at it like ‘Alright, let’s do it, we’re going in for the kill’, you know what I mean?

"Stop leaving it to the judges, let’s just go out there and really make a statement. I’ve got 11 days’ notice, in his hometown, to go in there and take him out. Mate, that’s legacy stuff we’re talking about. This fight itself is legacy, but to go and knock him out, that’s going to be mind-blowing for the world to see. I can’t wait,"  Volkanovski said 

Nevertheless, Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez is expecting Volkanovski to come out on the front foot. And given that Volkanovski was a last minute replacement following Charles Oliveira’s withdrawal, Mendez does anticipate a tricky bout.

After all, there is plenty on the line. A win for Volkanovski would make him a two-weight world champion. Meanwhile, a loss for Makhachev would prevent the hopes of a bout with Oliveira, given that a rematch with Volkanovski would most likely occur. That is why Mendez expects his fighter to be ready for come what may. 

Makhachev’s Coach

"He’s going to take chances. He’s going to take more chances than last time. He’s not going to be worried about the takedowns, because he’s obviously survived the ground last time and he also did his best work on the ground, not in the standup. So, he’s not going to be afraid of anything. That’s the one thing I feel he’s going to do, is he’s going to come and he’s going to come throwing. He’s not going to be too cautious. He’s just going to come because feels he can handle whatever it is when he has to throw," Mendez stated 

With so much on the line, both fighters know anything less than a win will have a profound impact moving forward. And given that the bout is in Abu Dhabi, Volkanovski will have to overcome the crowd favorite to do that.

But if there is any fighter who is capable of defying the odds then it is Volkanovski. After all, the fighter chose to take the fight on less than two weeks notice.