Islam Makhachev News
Michael Bisping explains why Jon Jones still warrants top spot in the UFC pound for pound rankings
Harry Kettle - October 25, 2023
UFC commentator Michael Bisping has explained why he believes Jon Jones should still be #1 in the pound-for-pound rankings. In the eyes of many, Jon Jones is the greatest fighter in the history of mixed martial arts. While that isn’t a consensus view, it’s certainly a popular thought. As such, he continues to reign supreme as the #1 fighter in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Islam Makhachev reacts after failing to top pound-for-pound rankings after UFC 294 win
Cole Shelton - October 24, 2023
Islam Makhachev doesn’t get how he isn’t atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Back in February, Alexander Volkanovski was the top pound-for-pound fighter, while Islam Makhachev was ranked second. When they fought, it was Makhachev who won, but Volkanovski remained atop the list. Then, after Jon Jones returned and won the heavyweight title, he reclaimed the top spot.
Alexander Volkanovski appreciates fan support after admitting mental struggles at UFC 294: "It's good for awareness"
Josh Evanoff - October 24, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has broken his silence after his loss to Islam Makhachev. On Saturday night, ‘The Great’ returned on less than two weeks’ notice to headline UFC 294. There, Alexander Volkanovski moved up to lightweight for yet another clash with Islam Makhachev. In February, the two put on one of the best fights of the year, with the Russian retaining his gold by unanimous decision.
Dana White shares high praise for UFC champion Islam Makhachev: “He could go on a defense run that absolutely blows everybody away that ever held the belt”
Susan Cox - October 24, 2023
Dana White is sharing high praise for UFC champion Islam Makhachev. UFC 294 saw lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA) defeat featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) by KO at 3:06 of round 1 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi last Saturday night.
Daniel Cormier believes Islam Makhachev has done enough to overthrow Jon Jones in pound for pound rankings
Harry Kettle - October 24, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has explained why he believes Islam Makhachev should be the new pound-for-pound #1 ahead of Jon Jones. Last weekend, Islam Makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294. In doing so, he successfully retained his UFC lightweight championship and firmly cemented himself as the best 155-pounder on the planet.
Joe Rogan heaps praise on Islam Makhachev for “perfect” knockout over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - October 24, 2023
UFC commentator Joe Rogan heaped praise on Islam Makhachev following his win over Alexander Volkanovski. Last weekend at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev shocked the world. His win over Alexander Volkanovski wasn’t the shocking part – but instead, it was the manner in which he did it. Makhachev landed a nasty head kick before following up with brutal ground and pound, with the referee eventually stepping in to stop the fight.
What's next for the stars of UFC 294?
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2023
The UFC returned to Abu Dhabi on Saturday for a solid UFC 294 card that somehow got better after both the main and co-main events were changed on less than two weeks’ notice. In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev was looking to defend his lightweight title for the second time as he was rematching featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. The co-main event saw Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman fight at middleweight.
Islam Makhachev urges Alexander Volkanovski to "take some rest" and not fight in January after knockout loss
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2023
Islam Makhachev is hopeful that Alexander Volkanovski won’t return to action in January. Volkanovski stepped up on 11 days’ notice to rematch Makhachev in the main event of UFC 294. Before taking the fight, Volkanovski was rumored to face Ilia Topuria in January to defend his featherweight title but decided to jump on the chance to rematch Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev reacts after Dana White mulls potential plan to rebook Charles Oliveira fight: “I don’t think it’s a good idea”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 22, 2023
Islam Makhachev isn’t gung-ho over the idea of a rematch with Charles Oliveira, but he’s willing to go through with it. The dust has settled on the UFC 294 main event, and Makhachev is the talk of the MMA world. Fans were expecting a barn burner in the short-notice rematch between Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski. The UFC lightweight champion wasn’t interested in having another five-round war with “The Great.” Makhachev dropped Volkanovski with a head kick and finished him off with follow-up punches in the first round.
Conor McGregor calls foul on Islam Makhachev’s stoppage win over Alexander Volkanovski: “Back of the head shots are not good”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 22, 2023
Conor McGregor was paying attention to the UFC 294 headliner between Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski. Volkanovski stepped up on short notice when Charles Oliveira couldn’t make it to the card after suffering a cut during sparring. While the first fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski was highly competitive, the rematch ended quickly. Makhachev scored a head kick that dropped Volkanovski in the first round and finished the fight with some follow-up punches.
Alexander Volkanovski reflects on decision to accept short notice rematch with Islam Makhachev
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski spoke about his decision to accept a short notice fight with Islam Makhachev following the conclusion of today’s UFC 294 event. Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) and Makhachev (25-1 MMA) squared off for a second time in today’s UFC 294 headliner, with the promotion‘s coveted lightweight world title up for grabs.
Dana White states his intentions for Islam Makhachev's next UFC title defense
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Dana White already has an opponent in mind for Islam Makhachev following today’s UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev (25-1 MMA) put his undisputed lightweight world title on the line in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski (26-3 MMA) in this afternoon’s pay-per-view headliner.
Pros react after Islam Makhachev KO's Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
Today’s UFC 294 event was headlined by a lightweight title fight rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev (25-1 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since scoring a highly debated unanimous decision victory over Volkanovski this past February at UFC 284. Prior to that, the Russian standout had earned a submission win over Charles Oliveira to capture the promotion’s vacant lightweight title at UFC 280.
UFC 294 Results: Islam Makhachev stops Alexander Volkanovski in Round 1 (Video)
Chris Taylor - October 21, 2023
We have you covered for all of today’s UFC 294 results, including the main event rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev (24-1 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since scoring a highly debated unanimous decision victory over Volkanovski this past February at UFC 284. Prior to that, the Russian standout had earned a submission win over Charles Oliveira to capture the promotion’s vacant lightweight title at UFC 280.
UFC 294: ‘Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2’ Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - October 20, 2023
The Octagon returns to Abu Dhabi for today’s UFC 294 event, a thirteen-bout fight card headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2. Makhachev (24-1 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since scoring a highly debated unanimous decision victory over Volkanovski this past February at UFC 284. Prior to that, the Russian standout had earned a submission win over Charles Oliveira to capture the promotion’s vacant lightweight title at UFC 280.
Dana White believes Alexander Volkanovski will be "one of the greatest of all time" with a win over Islam Makhachev at UFC 294
Cole Shelton - October 20, 2023
Dana White thinks Alexander Volkanovski can help solidify his legacy with a win on Saturday at UFC 294. Volkanovski stepped up on 11 days’ notice to rematch Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 294. The two fought back in February, and it was Makhachev who won a very competitive decision to remain the lightweight champ.
Daniel Cormier explains why he would have advised Alexander Volkanovski to “hold off” on accepting Islam Makhachev rematch at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2023
Daniel Cormier has explained why he would’ve advised Alexander Volkanovski against a short notice meeting with Islam Makhachev. This weekend at UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to do the unthinkable. With less than two weeks to prepare, he will step in and battle Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. It will serve as the second time he’s done so following their collision at the start of the year, which ended in a decision win for Makhachev.
Max Holloway breaks down Makhachev-Volkanovski 2: "It's gonna be a tough fight"
Zain Bando - October 19, 2023
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway was back for another edition of “Blessed Breakdowns,” as he previewed UFC 294, taking place Saturday morning (in the United States), which will be live from Abu Dhabi. The main event features the highly-anticipated rematch between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski.