Alexander Volkanovski is confident that Islam Makhachev is feeling the pressure ahead of their short-notice rematch.
On February 11, Makhachev retained his UFC lightweight title with a close unanimous decision win against Volkanovski. Since then, a rematch between the two world-class superstars has felt inevitable, but nobody could have predicted it would happen at UFC 294.
During an interview with MMA Junkie, Volkanovski had this to say about the difference between his first fight with Makhachev and their rematch on Saturday, October 21:
“Obviously I showed him a lot of respect [in the first fight], which he deserves that respect. I could have backed myself a little bit earlier. This time, at least I got to figure that out because now it’s perfect timing. I can’t afford to show him that respect. I need to go out there, and I need to go for the finish.”
‘The Great followed up by discussing the pressure he and Makhachev are feeling. He claimed he’s not dealing with as much pressure due to him taking the fight on twelve days’ notice. Meanwhile, Volkanovski thinks his opponent is feeling nervous because of his expectations to dominate:
“Now, he obviously knows my strengths. He knows all that type of stuff. That’s why I feel that’s gonna be more pressure on him now. He knows I’m coming in on twelve days’ notice. He’s gonna feel the pressure, ‘Everybody is gonna expect me to walk through him right now.’ He knows that ain’t gonna be that easy. I guarantee you he’s got a lot of pressure on him, and he’s struggling with all of this.”
Alexander Volkanovski believes this opportunity could have been his last to secure a rematch against Islam Makhachev
Alexander Volkanovski undoubtedly has a chance to emerge victorious in the UFC 294 main event. With that said, there are already rumblings in the MMA community about a third fight between him and Islam Makhachev if the latter retains his lightweight throne on Saturday.
During the previously-mentioned interview with MMA Junkie, Volkanovski had this to say about wanting to accept the short-notice fight against Makhachev in case the Russian moves up to welterweight:
“This is why I really wanted to take it as well. He’s talking about moving up and all that. He doesn’t like the weight cut, so I was thinking, what if I can’t ever get this rematch? So, that’s why I felt like this is an opportunity I needed to take, just in case it doesn’t happen. For my legacy, it needs to happen. If he chooses to stay around then we will do that [fight for a third time].”
Alexander Volkanovski is confident his cardio will hold up for five rounds against Islam Makhachev. It’ll be intriguing to see if that’s true, as Makhachev is in peak shape following an extended training camp, which was primarily focused on a rematch against Charles Oliveira.
Watch Alexander Volkanovski’s entire interview with MMA Junkie below:
