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Alexander Volkanovski explained why he agreed to fight Islam Makhachev on short notice after losing to him at UFC 294. Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) and Makhachev (25-1 MMA) fought for the second time in the main event of UFC 294, with the lightweight title on the line. They had first fought in February at UFC 284, where Makhachev won a controversial decision over the featherweight champion.
Makhachev was supposed to face Charles Oliveira today in Abu Dhabi, but Oliveira pulled out two weeks ago due to a bad cut. Dana White and his team then offered Volkanovski the fight on short notice. Volkanovski accepted quickly, which many people doubted, including former double champion Daniel Cormier.
Volkanovski thought he could beat the odds on short notice, but he was wrong.
Makhachev finished him in the first round with a powerful head kick and ground strikes. After the fight, Volkanovski talked to the media at the press conference and shared his thoughts on taking the short notice rematch.
“You know, I could have done things differently. But, you know, he’s not someone you should fight on short notice. I needed it. It wasn’t just for the money or anything like that. It was more than that. You know, it’s hard, it’s really hard for athletes. I didn’t think I’d have a problem with it. But, for some reason, when I wasn’t fighting or training… I just needed a fight. And then this chance came up.”
Alexander Volkanovski added:
“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t training as much as I should have, but I felt like I had to do it. I had to take it, or I felt like it was… You know, I was telling myself it was destiny. Obviously, I was having a hard time not fighting. Going crazy. I don’t know why. Everything is fine. I have a beautiful family, but I don’t know. I think you just have to keep busy. That’s why I asked the UFC to keep me busy. Because I need to be busy. I need to be training. Otherwise, I’m going to lose my mind. So you know, that’s it. That’s all I have to say.”