“We Don’t Want Peace”: Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski’s Pre-Fight Chat Draws Mixed Reactions

With just a day left until the highly anticipated bout between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, the excitement is reaching its fever pitch. And the recent face-off between the two fighters stood out among fans, as it was a testament to their sportsmanship. Face-offs in the UFC can often be aggressive and filled with trash-talk, but Makhachev and Volkanovski defied expectations by maintaining a good level of camaraderie.

Despite this, both fighters are ready to put their best foot forward and show the world what they’re made of in what is sure to be the biggest and most important fight of their careers. This wholesome moment was a welcome change for UFC fans, but it still wasn’t a perfect moment for everyone, as fans expressed their mixed thoughts on the face-off.

Fans have different voices on the Islam Makhachev-Alexander Volkanovski face-off

Both the fighters exchanged a few good words with each other during the face-off for UFC 284, right before they get their hands dirty in the cage. However, this being one of those rare moments where the fighters are usually after each other, this encounter still managed to get a blended response from the fans.

Check out how the fans responded to this goodwill encounter between Makhachev and Volkanovski:

Some fans absolutely loved their camaraderie:

“The most civil championship face-off of all time!”

“Nice to see some respect and honour instead of the ego and BS”

“This was somehow very polite and very tense”

While others wanted some heat.

“They’re too friendly Not cool”

“We can all be like this.. but we don’t want peace WE WANT WAR”

Read more: Islam Makhachev Makes Peace With Dana White but Misses a Key Point About the Name Goof Up

One fan brought out the subject of the lack of promotion for Makhachev vs. Volkanovski:

“Where is dana? Still focus on slap event?”

A fan was at his sarcastic best:

“Can’t believe you’re promoting this instead of people slapping each other in the face”

And one fan’s word perhaps could be true, after all:

“This has potential to be one of the greatest fights ever”

Having said that, keeping aside the sportsmanship, fans are bound to witness straight-out war on February 11. And this fight has all the reasons to be that way.

What is at the stake for both fighters?

Both fighters have everything to gain and everything to lose. Volkanovski has entered Makhachev’s division with the intention of securing a second belt and holding onto his pound-for-pound king ranking. However, all of that could go up in smoke if Makhachev turns the tables and puts ‘The Great’ down.

With a win, the Dagestani fighter could defend his lightweight title and snatch away Volkanovski’s number one pound-for-pound ranking. This fight is truly a toss-up, with no guarantees about the outcome. Both fighters are ready to leave it all in the octagon and give it their all in a battle that will go down in the history books. The stakes are high, and it’s anyone’s game.

Watch this story: Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Reveals a ‘Depressing’ Incident That Almost Led to the Retirement of “The Great”

What are your predictions on Makhachev vs. Volkanovski? Drop your picks in the comments below.