Islam Makhachev faced off with Alexander Volkanovski moments after winning the vacant lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
Makhachev improved his unbeaten streak to 11 fights by submitting Oliveira with an arm-triangle choke in the second round to become the new 155lb champion. The Russian also fulfilled UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov's late father's wish by winning the title, as he backed Makhachev to take over Nurmagomedov's reign before sadly passing away in July 2020.
Just moments after Nurmagomedov put the belt around his waist in the octagon, Makhachev said he wants to make the first defence of his newly-acclaimed title against featherweight champion Volkanovski. The Australian was serving as the backup fighter for the lightweight title fight and was cageside for Makhachev's win, with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier calling for Volkanovski to enter the cage and stare off with Makhachev.
Makhachev said of Volkanovski: "Where is this short guy? Where? I didn't see this short guy, bring him here." Volkanovski, who is the pound-for-pound No.1, then entered the cage and said to Makhachev: "Let's do it, the lightweight [belt] on the line and the pound-for-pound No.1 [ranking] on the line, let's do it." UFC 284 on February 12 in Perth, Australia is a likely date for the fight as Volkanovski has already outlined his plans to compete on the card.
Volkanovski showed his professionalism by weighing at 155lb for his role as a back up fighter for UFC 280. The Australian almost got the last minute call-up to fight at the event, as he revealed the promotion called him and said one of main event fighters was having problems cutting weight. In the end, Volkanovski's services weren't required but he will likely be stepping on the scale at 155lb for his next fight against Makhachev.
What are your thoughts on Islam Makhachev facing off with Alexander Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments section below
'The Great' is unbeaten in over 20 fights and is moving up to lightweight after clearing out most of the top featherweight contenders. If Volkanovski can dethrone Makhachev to win the lightweight title, he will follow the footsteps of Daniel Cormier and Conor McGregor by coming one of the few two-weight champions in the promotion. Early odd already have the Australian as a considerable betting underdog in a potential fight against Makhachev.
