Alexander Volkanovski Reveals Islam Makhachev Admitted Defeat to Him & Asked for a Rematch “Because He Thought He Lost”

The lightweight champion Islam Makhachev toppled Alexander Volkanovski from the best pound-for-pound fighter throne at UFC 284. As expected, the fight between two current UFC champions proved to be a close and competitive one. There was nothing separating the two fearsome athletes as the fight went into the distance and the result depended on the points.

However, the super fight at RAC Arena on February 11 divided the opinion of pundits and fans alike when Bruce Buffer announced the victor. Similarly, the featherweight kingpin believes Makhachev had accepted the defeat himself. After the first two rounds, the momentum shifted from the Russian fighter to the homegrown fighter. Only a thin margin decided who edged past the line.

Thus, both fighters gave fans a fight that they might remember for a while. Despite the closely contested encounter, the Dagestani fighter defended his belt successfully. Notably, in the post-fight press conference, ‘The Great’ took the questions and disclosed his prospective plans. While he stuck to his declaration of fighting the newly coronated interim champion Yair Rodriguez, he also opened up about the main-event fight.

Alexander Volkanovski believes Islam Makhachev had accepted the defeat

The reporter pointed out the Aussie’s post-fight Octagon interview, where he cleared his intention to move up to lightweight in the future. Further, the reporter asked whether the 34-year-old would hope for Makhachev to hold on to the title till then.

Replying to him, the Wollongong-born stated, “I’ll watch the fight and see what it was like.”

Following this statement, the 25-2 record holder mentioned the interaction he had with the former combat sambo champion. However, he also admitted that the details were not accurate.

Thus he told, “I’m hearing that he [Makhachev] was saying, I heard, we spoke, could be wrong that he was going back to his corner saying he wants a rematch. Because he thought he lost.”

“So. That’s funny. I’m gonna jump on that. Rematch,” he added later on.

The timeline of Volkanovski’s return is not certain as of now, but he has set his eyes on defending his featherweight gold against the creative knockout artist, Yair Rodriguez. Markedly, the Mexican fighter also fought on the same fight card, and his gesture to the division champion earned him respect.

ALSO READ- “I Don’t Even Care What the Decision Is” – ‘Ridiculous Scorecard’ for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev Has UFC World Divided

What do you think of these statements of UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski? Do you believe a rematch involving the two is on cards? Let us know in the comments below.

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