Islam Makhachev uncertain on rematch with Alexander Volkanovski: ‘I’m not going to wait for anybody’

Despite the close nature of his UFC 284 title defense against featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski last weekend in Perth, Australia – lightweight kingpin, Islam Makahchev remains unmoved on an immediate title rematch – insisting he has no plans to wait for any potential opponent to rear their heads.
Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, managed to successfully lodge his first defense of the 155lbs crown in a close, back-and-forth unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) win over Volkanovski, handing the featherweight best his first UFC loss to boot.
Faced with accusations of pre-fight cheating by Volkanovski’s teammate, Dan Hooker, who alleged he utilized an intravenous drip to help rehydrate following Friday’s weigh-in, Makhachev denied breaking the official rules, as did his manager, Rizvan Magomedov.
As per UFC official and ex-USADA lynchpin, Jeff Novitsky, a fighter can be administered 100 ml of saline in a 12 hour period if deemed required by a medical professional, and further administered by a medical professional.
With calls for an immediate rematch with Volkanovski given the close nature of their headliner and the emergence of ‘IvGate’ – Makahchev appeared unmoved on an immediate re-run during a return trip to his native Dagestan.
“I’m not going to wait for anybody or call anybody out,” Islam Makhachev said. “I’ll be ready as soon as the UFC gives me an opponent. No matter if it’s the rematch or another lightweight contender.”
Despite his unanimous judging win over New South Wales technician, Volkanovski, Makhachev failed to topple the former from his pound-for-pound number one summit – despite pre-fight billing claiming the matchup would determine the UFC’s new list header.
Senior writer for FightBook MMA. An aspiring mixed martial arts reporter based in Ireland. Producer of news articles, interviews, opinion features, and exclusive features such as, ‘The Fallout’, ‘The Breakdown, and, ‘This Week In MMA’.
Discover more from FightBook MMA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.