Islam Makhachev comes from the same stoic, disciplined stock as his friend and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov. And, like Nurmagomedov, the current UFC lightweight champion also has a funny bone that he has demonstrated on many occasions.

UFC fans would be aware of their banter with UFC commentator and former UFC double-champion Daniel Cormier. And Makhahcev engages in jokes not only outside the ring, but has also shown his comedic chops inside the octagon, too. This has even tickled UFC commentator and JRE podcast host Joe Rogan on occasion.

Joe Rogan couldn’t believe Makhachev as he calls out Mayweather

After his victory over Nick Lentz at UFC 208 in 2017, in only his fourth UFC fight, Islam Makhahcehv had a humorous post-fight octagon speech. This was the same year that Conor McGregor fought boxing maestro Floyd Mayweather in their superfight, for which the UFC megastar earned a reported $30 million. Makhachev joked that he wanted a money fight with Mayweather and called on UFC boss Dana White to make it happen. “Hey Dana, I want a money fight. Give me Mayweather,” he said.

This caused the former Fear Factor host, who seemed to be in disbelief, to confirm if the Dagestani said Mayweather. “Did you just say Mayweather?” Rogan asked. To which, a smiling Makhachev would reiterate “Yes give me Mayweather,” as Khabib Nurmagomedov laughs in the background.

However, this was not the only time he called out another fighter in jest. In another post-fight octagon interview, he would call out former UFC heavyweight champion and WWE superstar Brock Lesnar.

“Hey DC, tell this guy I deserve for top 15, or i wanna fight with Brock Lesnar,” Makhachev joked after another victory. However, the Dagestani would not be in a joking mood ahead of his upcoming UFC 294 bout.

Islam Makhachev to rematch Alexander Volkanovski in a potentially legacy defining fight

In perhaps the most awaited MMA bout (other than a Jon Jone vs. Francis Ngannou heavyweight clash), UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will rematch lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. Their UFC 284 bout was a legendary affair. Though the Dagestani walked away with the decision, there are many, like Joe Rogan who feel the Aussie won as he outstriked and even knocked down Makhachev.

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Both men seemed not to be satisfied by the result. ‘Volk’ because he thought he won and Makhachev because he felt slighted at not getting the due he thought he deserved even after winning the bout. Which is why Makhachev would want to beat the former rugby player emphatically to shut down his critics. And ‘Alexander The Great’ would want to win in order to become, by far, the greatest active fighter in the promotion, and be included in the Mt. Rushmore of the UFC. Both men have everything to fight for, and their October 21 clash is shaping up to be an electrifying affair.

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