“Don’t Use It as an Excuse”- Islam Makhachev and Team Khabib Break Silence as Alexander Volkanovski Replaces Charles Oliveira After Injury Strikes UFC 294

With Charles Oliveira out and Alexander Volkanovski in for UFC 294, the Australian now has the chance at redemption against Islam Makhachev. They will fight in a rematch and the lightweight title will be up for grabs. Meanwhile, Makhachev and his team have issued statements after the replacement of the opponent for the fight in Abu Dhabi.

‘Du Bronxs’ had become one of the latest fighters to withdraw from a fight a few days before the pay-per-view. He suffered a nasty cut on his eyebrow and was not willing to risk fighting with an injury in Abu Dhabi. As such, Volkanovski grabbed the opportunity and now has another chance to become a double champion. Let’s see what Makhachev’s team had to say about that.

Islam Makhachev and his team convey their messages to the opponent’s replacement

Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protégé did not hold back from making a statement after learning about his new opponent for UFC 294. Islam Makhachev praised Alexander Volkanovski for taking the fight on short notice. However, he warned him not to regret his decision to fight in Abu Dhabi if he happened to lose one more time.

Makhachev said, “Respect for taking this fight on short notice Alex, but don’t use it as an excuse after the fight.” Furthermore, the reigning lightweight champion also garnered support and praise from his manager.

Ali Abdelaziz took to Twitter (X) to claim that Makhachev was on another level as a fighter. This was in light of the fact that he did not even object to the UFC’s decision to put Alexander Volkanovski in the fight. Meanwhile, the UFC had other plans for ‘The Great’ before they announced him for UFC 294. Let us take a look at that front.

Volkanovski was earlier set to make a title defense at UFC 297

As per earlier reports by ‘MMA Orbit’, undefeated featherweight contender Ilia Topuria recently made an announcement on a Spanish TV show. The Georgian-Spanish fighter claimed that the UFC was working behind the scenes for him to get a title shot. Topuria also claimed that he will be fighting for the title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 297.

This announcement raised doubts regarding Volkanovski’s lightweight title aspirations. However, Dana Whited decided to include the Aussie champion in the UFC 294 main event, given that it is one of the biggest events of the year. Hence, it remains to be seen what Ilia Topuria’s route to the title would look like.

Read More: What Diseases Did Charles Oliveira Suffer From? Eyesight Issues, Paralysis, & Everything About UFC Star’s Health Problems

Even if Charles Oliveira pulled out of the event, Dana White still made sure that the fans got what they wanted, which was, a big fight. Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski have already put on a great show at UFC 284. We will have to wait and see if they can replicate that feat or even put on a better fight on October 21st.

What are your thoughts on Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2? Drop your comments below.

Watch This Story: Life Isn’t Fair, Right?” – Just Days After Israel Adesanya Lost His Title, Robert Whittaker Rubs Salt on Rival’s Wounds Over Sean Strickland Rematch Talks