“Islam Pulls Out”- Fans Divided as Alexander Volkanovski Sends Islam Makhachev a Brutal Reminder After Stepping on at 12 Days Notice for UFC 294

Alexander Volkanovski has stepped up on short notice to fight against Islam Makhachev. But would the fight have still happened if Makhachev was asked to fill in suddenly? The reasons for the card change will soon become less talked about as UFC 294 is almost here. However, what does the featherweight champion think of his opponent?

‘The Great’ recently weighed in about his thoughts on the lightweight champion. Earlier, Volkanovski applauded Makhachev’s wrestling. Regardless, with his new claims, it is even more evident that the fighter thinks he knows his opponent better than anyone.

Alexander Volkanovski on Islam Makhachev

For those who have not followed the latest happenings in the world of UFC, Charles Oliveira was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for a title rematch in UFC 294. However, Oliveira had to withdraw from the fight following a cut he suffered during training. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski stepped in on short notice of 12 days to fight the Dagestani Lightweight champion.

Volkanovski has been quite vocal about how he’s truly excited about his bout, even though he had to be up for it on short notice.  However, ‘Volk’ maintained that the same was not true about his opponent, and under similar circumstances, Makhachev would not have accepted this fight on short notice.

Perhaps, Alexander Volkanovski has less to lose than his Dagestani opponent. The lightweight belt is up for grabs but Volkanovski doesn’t lose his featherweight belt if he loses. However, the courage to show up to the cage within days of the fight is amazing to witness.

“One hundred percent, if the roles were reversed, this fight is not happening. . .” ‘Volk’ told the press recently. “He’s not fighting on 12 days’ notice, so he needs to remember that.”

The featherweight champion will be moving up to lightweight class to bring the fight to Islam Makhachev. Losing to a champion of a lower division could impact Makhachev’s legacy in a very unfavorable way. However, the fighter accepted the fight as soon as it was proposed. So perhaps both of them could be equally prepared or unprepared for each other. Here’s what the fans thought.

Fans react to Volkanovski’s accusations

Fans on Instagram had all sorts of opinions about Alexander Volkanovski’s claims against Islam Makhachev. Some agreed, some quite clearly did not. Here are some of the best reactions from the comment section.

“Volk ain’t lying”

“Islam pulls out even after full camp in no world he will fight on 12 day notice.”

“Islam is the most unlikeable champ”

While some fans supported their favorite champ, others had things to say against ‘Volk’.

“Alex is more prepared for Islam than Islam is prepared for Alex so no excuses for Alex”

“Wrong assessment. Volk has everything to gain and nothing to loose. He’s not losing his belt.”

“Yeah he’s not fighting on 12 days cuz he prefers to be prepared. Volk just lining up his excuses if he were to lose at this point”

Finally, one fan predicted the fight’s outcome would be against Islam Makhachev.

“Volk is going to be 2-0 against this cat we all know he won his last”

Also Read: Alexander Volkanovski Reveals Ideal Scenario for a Move to Welterweight Division

Clearly, the fans have chosen their sides and their camps to support. Excuses or not, everyone knows and agrees that Alexander Volkanovski will give Islam Makhachev a challenge of a lifetime. Their previous fight ended with many fans calling it a close win for Makhachev, now there’s a chance to prove who’s really the better one once and for all.

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