Islam Makhachev ran into his UFC 280 understudy earlier this week, and didn’t seem impressed at all. Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, has long threatened to come for the lightweight belt. Volkanovski is the backup for the main event this weekend, which will see Makhachev pitted against Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title. It seems that, regardless of how this weekend’s UFC event goes, Volkanovski is next in line for a lightweight title shot, something Makhachev seems very interested in, as he discussed at the pre-fight media day.
“Honestly, I met Volkanovski downstairs. He’s a short guy. I ask him why you need to cut weight right now? But if I beat Volkanovski people are going to say [I beat a smaller opponent] but people are always going to talk.
Makhachev Open To Fighting “Short Guy” Volkanovski in Australia
[Right now] I want to fight with Charles, and I hope he’s going to make weight. But it doesn’t matter. This camp, I trained so hard, it doesn’t matter who is going to be there. Saturday night, I need someone.”
Makhachev seemed unconcerned by whether Charles Oliveira, who missed weight in his last UFC outing, would be able to get down to the 155-pound lightweight limit for the big fight.
“He’s a champion but he have to show all fighters a good example. He has to be professional. I hope he’s going to make weight [this] time.
Right now, he’s the champion. Right now, he’s the best lightweight but I don’t think he’s the best. Right now, I know this is my moment. I believe even right now I am the best lightweight in the world.”
Makhachev continued, elaborating on his projected path to victory. “Nobody can stop my wrestling. I’m going to do my job. I’m going to do the same things always. Take them down, hold them, make them tired and finish them.
This is my goal to finish him on the ground because I have to show all people my grappling level.” As for Volkanovski, the UFC will return to Volkanovski’s home of Australia in early 2023. Makhachev seemed very interested in the prospect of facing a UFC champion on home soil.
“Why not? Yes [I’ll fight Volkanovski in Australia]. I went to Australia one time. I can go again. This is going to be a good fight. Always when the champion from other divisions fights with other champions, it’s a big fight and very interesting fight for all fans.”
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