Alexander Volkanovski is once again seeking a rematch against the Russian lightweight champ after their UFC 284 main event at Perth. Despite many believing that ‘The Great’ should have won, Makhachev won via a unanimous decision. The fight was intense as it was Makhachev‘s first title defense, making it a nail-biting event.
Adding fuel to the fire, Dan Hooker, a close companion of Volkanovski, accused Makhachev of IV rehydration before the fight. This is a violation of USADA rules, as IV rehydration is illegal before the fight.
Volkanovski is intent on getting a rematch with Makhachev. After the fight, a video emerged of Volkanovski visiting Makhachev‘s locker room and asking for a rematch. The lightweight champ agreed to the rematch on camera at the time. The featherweight champ then reignited the talk of a rematch on Twitter, showing his eagerness to settle the score with Makhachev once and for all.
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Volkanovski wants the Islam Makhachev rematch
Alexander Volkanovski gave the UFC lightweight champion one of the toughest fights of his career. Despite fighting on his home turf, the pound-for-pound #1 fighter came short, losing his 12-fight winning streak. Thus, it did not come as a surprise when he demanded a rematch to set the record straight. During the backroom meeting, Volkanovski even offered Makhachev a rematch in Abu Dhabi. He adds to the rematch talks with his recent Tweet.
Islam Makhachev asked fans on Twitter, “who is next?” Alexander Volkanovski quickly responds with, “Let’s run it back and give the people what they want!”
Let’s run it back and give the people what they want! @MAKHACHEVMMA https://t.co/clkz93ldaM
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) February 22, 2023
‘The Great’ isn’t far away from the truth, as fans are indeed demanding a rematch between these two fighters. Despite this fight taking place in February, it is already quite a strong contender for the fight of the year. However, Makhachev‘s mother is not too keen on the rematch.
Makhachev opens up about retirement pressure
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Khabib Nurmagomedov retired after a long conversation with his mother. This was following up on the untimely demise of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Moreover, Makhachev reveals that his mother is also pressurizing him to follow the footsteps of ‘The Eagle ‘. He reveals how his mother doesn’t watch his fights and walks outside till she hears cheers that her boy won.
When Makhachev returned to his village with his title, his mother asked him to retire. She told him to look at Khabib Nurmagomedov, who after listening to his mother hung up his gloves. His mother said, “You’re champion now. Wrap it up. Khabib listened to his mother, when will you listen to yours?”
Dive Deeper – Daniel Cormier Stands by Alexander Volkanovski Despite Recent Accusations Against Islam Makhachev
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He told her mother that even ‘The Eagle’ defended his belt. His father is quite opposite of his mother and watches his fights. If Volkanovski gets the rematch, then he will face an even more pumped-up Makhachev. As he is intent on proving to his mother that he is making the right decision by not retiring just yet.
Watch This Story – ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI’S COACH REVEALS A ‘DEPRESSING INCIDENT THAT ALMOST LED TO THE RETIREMENT OF “THE GREAT”