UFC 294 headliner Islam Makhachev is taking the Alex Volkanovski rematch seriously, but he knows what he wants next.
Makhachev and Volkanovski had a barn burner for the UFC Lightweight Championship back in February. Makhachev retained the 155-pound gold via unanimous decision. While Makhachev had been preparing to fight Charles Oliveira on October 21, “do Bronx” was pulled from the fight due to a deep cut on his eyebrow. Volkanovski has stepped up for what some consider to be the better rematch.
Islam Makhachev Talks Alex Volkanovski’s Improvement
Islam Makhachev was recently interviewed by TNT Sports and he expressed his belief that both he and Alex Volkanovski have made improvements since their first meeting.
“After first fight, I think improve a lot,” Makhachev said. “He’s improved a lot after first fight too, for sure, how he beat Yair. Same thing about me, I improve a lot after this fight. This is my first time, five rounds, we go all the rounds, we go nonstop and I check my condition, how I feel five rounds. I think I took from this fight big experience.”
Makhachev Due For Welterweight Title Shot Next?
Islam Makhachev went on to reveal he’ll be keeping a close eye on the December 16 welterweight title fight at UFC 296. It’ll be Leon Edwards putting his UFC gold at stake against Colby Covington. Makhachev is hoping to secure a fight with the winner.
“Yeah, I thinking,” Makhachev admitted. “I already give chance to some guy from other division, and I need my chance. If UFC give me my chance I will use it. I need that second belt.”
Makhachev even revealed that he will be in attendance for the matchup.
“I will go to watch this fight, I will sit first row and maybe someone call me,” Makhachev said.
Watch TNT Sports’ full interview with Islam Makhachev below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcoELNNe75c&ab_channel=TNTSports
