SYDNEY – Alexander Volkanovski thinks an Islam Makhachev rematch would be perfect for UFC 300.
Featherweight champion Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) has mapped out a two-fight plan, which starts with a title defense against unbeaten contender Ilia Topuria, followed by a rematch with lightweight champion Makhachev.
Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) defends his belt when he runs things back with Charles Oliveira in the UFC 294 main event on Oct. 21 in Abu Dhabi.
“You got the Ilia fight that’s always going to be there,” Volkanovski said backstage during UFC 293. “You got that rematch that I want (vs. Makhachev). I want to be active. Obviously, Islam and Charles (Oliveira) are going at it soon, so I don’t want to be waiting around.
“So, I’ll do early next year, I think. I wanted this year, but I think the schedule is just not going to be able to fit me in. I think there’s a few champions that need to be fighting, which is fair, but I would’ve been happy to get one in this year.”
Volkanovski pushed Makhachev to the brink in their title fight at UFC 284 in February but ultimately lost by decision. If both Volkanovski and Makhachev can successfully defend their titles, “The Great” thinks it will perfectly set the scene up for a rematch on the biggest stage at UFC 300.
“I think that makes a lot of sense,” Volkanovski said. “Yeah, for sure. I think that would be great, especially with me getting my hand raised on that one for UFC 300 would be perfect, but again, we will see what we can do. But I think that’s one of the bigger fights that you can make. I truly do believe that. A lot of people want to see that again. It was very, very competitive, and I guarantee you I get it done next time.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.
