ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev isn’t taking Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC 294 prediction too seriously.
Lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) will run things back with featherweight champ Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) in Saturday’s headliner at Etihad Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view at a special time of 2 p.m. ET following prelims on ESPN+.
Volkanovski told MMA Junkie that he envisions an early knockout and that he can’t afford to show Makhachev too much respect. Makhachev said Volkanovski’s track record proves otherwise.
“I don’t remember when Alex knocked someone out,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “He wants to try and pressure me. He wants to make me think about this. I don’t care. Everybody who steps to the cage wants to knock me out, but I stop them all.”
Volkanovski proved to be arguably the toughest test of Makhachev’s career when they battled for five rounds at UFC 284 in February, but “The Great” ultimately fell short by unanimous decision.
Makhachev thinks Volkanovski took the fight on short notice simply for a paycheck. In terms of his personal motivation to fight Volkanovski again, Makhachev says it’s what the fans want – and he gets it on his terms this time.
“Honestly, after the first fight, many people talking about the fight, and many people want to watch this rematch,” Makhachev said. “I’m really happy because right now, they can give me anyone, but I’m really happy because they gave me Volkanovski. Because last time I fought in his arena, his area, but now it’s Abu Dhabi, and everything now on my side.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
