Alex Volkanovski is questioning why Islam Makhachev thinks he’ll be a stronger version of himself in their UFC 294 rematch.
Volkanovski has stepped up in place of Charles Oliveira for the event this Saturday night (October 21) in Abu Dhabi. Oliveira suffered a cut during sparring, so now it’s Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 for the lightweight gold. The two collided back in February, and it was Makhachev who took a unanimous decision win in the high-level title fight.
With the rematch nearly here, the competitive spirit is alive and well. Both Makhachev and Volkanovski had some banter during the UFC 294 pre-fight press conference. The argument was about rehydration.
Alex Volkanovski & Islam Makhachev Clash On Rehydration
When Alex Volkanovski was asked about Islam Makhachev believing he’ll be a stronger version of himself in their rematch, “The Great” had the following response:
“Why? You’re telling me that him rehydrating for 30-something hours isn’t enough? He’s gonna be stronger with 40 hours? Is that really what we’re relying on over here? You don’t back your skills? I don’t get it, I don’t get it. I back my skills, that’s the difference. I really don’t get it,” Volkanovski said.
Makhachev promised to prove that he’ll be a stronger version of himself on fight night.
“I show everything,” Makhachev said. “Be patient, I show you, I show you my power and everything Saturday night.”
Volkanovski isn’t buying it.
“So, you didn’t have that power in February because you only had 30-something hours? That wasn’t enough,” Volkanovski said.
Makhachev then denied Volkanovski’s claim that he had 30 hours to rehydrate for their first meeting.
“Not 30, not 30, man,” Makhachev said. “Not 30, no, no, not 30.”
Despite the denial, Volkanovski insisted that the UFC lightweight champion was given 30 hours.
“I don’t know what world you’re living in, mate,” Volkanovski said. “I don’t need more than 30 hours to rehydrate. I’m a fighter. I’ll turn up and I back my skills. That’s why I’m here today, 12 days’ notice.”
Here is footage of the banter between Makhachev and Volkanovski:
"I don't know what world you're living in mate, I don't need more than 30 hours to rehydrate."
Volkanovski on Islam Makhachev's weight cutting pic.twitter.com/QItJkq3VYs
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) October 19, 2023
