Volkanovski Backs Himself To Beat Makhachev Despite ’12 Days Notice’

November 15, 2023
1 year

In today’s MMA news, Alexander Volkanovski is confident ahead of his clash with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.

The duo will run things back after Islam won their first bout via a unanimous decision at UFC 284. Although that may have been the case, the decision did divide the MMA community with some believing that Volkanovski had done enough to win.

The featherweight champion had attempted to make history by becoming a two-division champion, as he fell short. But before the rematch played out, Makhachev was expected to face Charles Oliveira.

The latter, however, pulled out due to cuts under his eye after some sparring. And given the need for stitches, there was not enough time for the fighter to make the bout. As a result, Volkanovski stepped in with less than two weeks notice.

And yet, there are question marks over whether the fighter has taken on too much to take on the lightweight champion. In response, this is what Volkanovski  had to say.

Volkanovski On The Rematch

“If anyone can do this on 12 days’ notice… it’s me … All the pressure is on him. I’m coming off the couch. We were told about Charles pulling out and needing a backup. They hit me up yesterday, we said, obviously, alright, let’s do it. Obviously, did the negotiations, they did that, I just said, ‘Yeah. Make sure it’s worth it (laughs),’ and let’s do it.”

“This is obviously a pretty crazy thing to do. There’s not many fighters out there who probably would do this, especially in my position, but you know I always say that I will do these things, I am that guy that will do anytime, anywhere, any weight, whatever it is. This is just an opportunity to prove that once again, against a tough game opponent. If anyone can do this in 12 days notice, off the couch, as they would say – it’s me,” Volkanovski said

Those sentiments were also backed by Israel Adesanya. The latter gave his take on who he felt would come out victorious between the two.

Izzy backed Volkanovski despite the fact that the latter will have to travel to Abu Dhabi to do it. The city is known for showing support to Makhachev, which may play out in the form of favourable judging. And yet, Adesanya expects the Australian to come on top especially since he gave the first flght to him.

Adesanya On Volkanovski

“I felt Volk beat him in the first time, I thought so, the first time,” Adesanya told The Rock. “As the fight progressed, you can see Volkanovski grow more confident and be like, ‘This is the way he’s supposed to beat me, right? Come on.’ This time, short notice, Volk has nothing to lose. He’s been in the gym. He’s ready.

“I feel like he’s going to stop him on this one. But again, this is me, I’m biased. If I could bet, which I’m not allowed to, if I could, I know who I’m putting my money on,” Adesanya stated

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING boxingnews.COM

TAGS
COMMENTS

RELATED NEWS