Islam Makhachev claps back at Alexander Volkanovski for claiming he’s “running” from him

Islam Makhachev has made it clear that he wants to fight Alexander Volkanovski again. 

Volkanovski recently took a shot at Makhachev and suggested that the Dagestani fighter was ducking a rematch against him. The two champions faced off at UFC 284, with Makhachev ultimately getting his hand raised via a controversial unanimous decision. The Australian strongly rallied for a rematch in the aftermath of their closely-contested fight. 

While Islam Makhachev was keen on the rematch, the lightweight king recently expressed interest in becoming a two-division champion. He called out welterweight champion Leon Edwards on Twitter, claiming he’s down to fight the Englishman at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Alexander Volkanovski wasn’t pleased about this development and responded to Makhachev’s tweet, stating:

“You running brotha, you don’t want this smoke.”

Not one to take a jibe sitting down, Islam Makhachev fired back, stating:

“Take the fight then.”

Volkanovski last defeated Yair Rodriguez via third-round TKO in a featherweight title unification fight at UFC 290. Meanwhile, Makhachev has yet to compete since his fight against Volkanovski. It’s unclear whether the UFC would book Edwards to defend his title against Makhachev next or against top welterweight contender Colby Covington instead.  

Alexander Volkanovski confident about dethroning Islam Makhachev in rematch

Alexander Volkanovski is optimistic about his chances against Islam Makhachev in their rematch. The Australian has made no secret of his dream to become a two-division champion and is eager to see it through. 

After his fight against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, Volkanovski voiced his intentions to correct his errors and make UFC history if given the opportunity to face Makhachev again. In a post-fight press conference, ‘The Great’ stated: 

“I’d be lying to say I’ll just walk through him and do this and do that… It’s going to be another highly contested battle, but I guarantee I get my hand raised… It is two tough guys going at it. They’ve done five rounds, and there’s a good chance you might see another five rounds of it. I’d love to get a finish. We’re both so good that it might be another tougher fight. But I’m looking forward again.”

Watch the full presser below:

UFC president Dana White was supportive of the featherweight champion’s aspirations. In an interview after Volkanovski’s fifth consecutive title defense, he stated that the promotion would back the Australian in whichever fight he wanted to pursue. 

It’s unclear when or against whom Alexander Volkanovski will return to action. He revealed that he needs surgery and will spend some time recovering. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev is expected to headline UFC 294 in October in Abu Dhabi.