Islam Makhachev News
Dana White claims Islam Makhachev’s criticism regarding lack of promotion for UFC 284 was taken out of context: “Yeah, that’s not true”
Harry Kettle - February 8, 2023
UFC president Dana White has responded to Islam Makhachev’s comments regarding the promotion of UFC 284. This weekend, Alexander Volkanovski will move up to take on Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. In doing so, the promotion will be pitting the #1 and #2 fighters in the world against one another – arguably for the first time.
Islam Makhachev plans to bring Alexander Volkanovski into "the deep ocean" and "finish him there" at UFC 284
Cole Shelton - February 7, 2023
Islam Makhachev plans to drag Alexander Volkanovski into the deep waters at UFC 284 en route to a finish. Makhachev is set for his first title defense in the main event of UFC 284 opposite the featherweight champ in Volkanovski. It’s a highly-anticipated fight and Makhachev has made it clear that he feels like he is going to dominate. With that said, the reigning 155lbs champion doesn’t believe the contest will end early.
Henry Cejudo explains why he isn’t giving Alexander Volkanovski a chance in UFC 284 title fight with Islam Makhachev: “There’s nothing that Alexander can do”
Harry Kettle - February 7, 2023
Henry Cejudo has explained why he doesn’t like Alexander Volkanovski’s chances against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. This weekend, Alexander Volkanovski will dare to be great in his home country of Australia. He will take on Islam Makhachev with the UFC lightweight championship being on the line.
Islam Makhachev says Australia doesn't have wrestling, Alexander Volkanovski fires back: "I was actually the national champion"
Cole Shelton - February 3, 2023
Islam Makhachev doesn’t think Alexander Volkanovski will be able to keep up with his wrestling. In the main event of UFC 284, Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title for the first time in Australia against Volkanovski. It’s an intriguing matchup but ahead of the fight, Makhachev is confident in his skills as he doesn’t think highly of Volkanovski’s wrestling ability.
Islam Makhachev expresses disappointment in the lack of promotion for his UFC 284 title fight with Alex Volkanovski
Harry Kettle - February 3, 2023
Islam Makhachev has expressed his concern at the lack of promotion for his UFC 284 main event against Alex Volkanovski. Next weekend in Australia, the UFC will host a fascinating main event clash between Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski. The meeting will see the lightweight and featherweight champion collide for the strap at 155 pounds.
Alexander Volkanovski doesn't want the narrative of Islam Makhachev to change if he wins at UFC 284: "Just remember what you’re saying he is now"
Cole Shelton - February 2, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski wants people to remember how highly they thought of Islam Makhachev once UFC 284 is over and done. Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title for the first time in the main event of UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, against the featherweight champ in Volkanovski. It’s a massive fight as it’s pound-for-pound number one vs. number two, but many fans and analysts aren’t giving Volkanovski much of a chance.
Alexander Volkanovski "surprised" Khabib won't be in Islam Makhachev's corner at UFC 284, but doesn't want that as an excuse when he wins
Cole Shelton - February 1, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski admits he was surprised to hear that Khabib Nurmagomedov wouldn’t be cornering Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. Makhachev will be looking to defend his lightweight belt for the first time when he takes on the promotions reigning featherweight champ in Volkanovski at UFC 284. In the lead-up to the highly anticipated super-fight, it was revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov had decided to step away from MMA and wouldn’t be in the corner of Makhachev in Australia.
Islam Makhachev not worried about fighting without Khabib at UFC 284
Andrew Whitelaw - February 1, 2023
When the cage door slams shut on Islam Makhachev for his UFC 284 clash with Alexander Volkanovski in Perth this month, the Dagestani will be without Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner. ‘The Eagle’ has mentored the UFC lightweight champion for the majority of his career and has helped oversee the 31-year-old’s incredible 11-fight winning streak that culminated in Makhachev sealing the 155 lb title at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi.
Alexander Volkanovski believes Islam Makhachev underestimating him heading into UFC 284: "That face quickly changes when I’m in the octagon"
Josh Evanoff - January 26, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes Islam Makhachev is underestimating him. ‘The Great’ has been out of action since his trilogy bout with Max Holloway last July. In that outing at UFC 276, Volkanovski dominated en route to a lopsided unanimous decision victory. In the process, closing the chapter on his rivalry with ‘Blessed’ at three victories to none.
Islam Makhachev opens up on Khabib Nurmagomedov's MMA exit: "I've fought without him a couple of times"
Lewis Simpson - January 23, 2023
Islam Makhachev has shared his feelings on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s exit from mixed martial arts. Following his retirement from competition, Nurmagomedov remained heavily involved in the world of MMA, taking over the coaching role of his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Chael Sonnen believes that Islam Makhachev could retire regardless of the outcome at UFC 284
Zain Bando - January 13, 2023
Chael Sonnen is anticipating that Islam Makhachev could retire regardless of the outcome at UFC 284 in February. Makhachev won the UFC lightweight title with an upset over Charles Oliveira in October of 2022, thus kickstarting a new era at 155 pounds. He’ll defend his lightweight title against featherweight superstar, Alexander Volkanovski. With the news of Khabib Nurmagomedov completely removing himself from the sport of MMA, per multiple reports, Sonnen believes that it’s entirely possible that one of Nurmagomedov’s pupils could follow suite and find a new chapter in their professional life. With the news surrounding Nurmagomedov, Makhachev will not see the former lightweight champion in his corner come fight night.
Charles Oliveira targeting return in March or April to earn rematch against Islam Makhachev: "I'm one fight away from him"
Josh Evanoff - January 10, 2023
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is gearing up for a busy year. ‘Do Bronx’ has been out of action since his lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 in October. The Brazilian was famously previously stripped of his 155-pound championship in May, prior to a title defense against Justin Gaethje.
Coach Javier Mendez doesn't expect Islam Makhachev to finish Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
Lewis Simpson - January 6, 2023
Coach Javier Mendez doesn’t expect his student Islam Makhachev to run through Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. Makhachev achieved a lifelong dream of becoming the undisputed UFC lightweight champion at UFC 280 in October of last year. The 31-year-old submitted Charles Oliveira in the second round to attain the crown his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov once held.
Daniel Cormier explains why Alex Volkanovski defeating Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 would qualify as the "biggest" upset in MMA history
Christopher Taylor - January 5, 2023
Daniel Cormier believes Alex Volkanovski defeating Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 would qualify as the “biggest” upset in MMA history. Volkanovski (25-1 MMA), the UFC’s current featherweight kingpin, will move up a weight class to challenge the reigning lightweight champion in Makhachev (23-1 MMA) on February 12 at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.
Chael Sonnen explains why Alex Volkanovski defeating Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 wouldn’t be that big of an upset: “How would that be shocking news?”
Harry Kettle - January 3, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has explained why Alex Volkanovski beating Islam Makhachev shouldn’t be seen as a big upset. At UFC 284, Alex Volkanovski will challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title. If he manages to pull off the win, he’ll become a two-weight UFC champion after already capturing the featherweight crown.
Sean O’Malley says he has a “weird feeling” about the upcoming Alex Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev title fight at UFC 284
Harry Kettle - January 3, 2023
Sean O’Malley has said he has a weird feeling about the upcoming match-up between Alex Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev. At UFC 284 next month, Alex Volkanovski will lock horns with Islam Makhachev. In the eyes of many, this gives Makhachev the chance to solidify himself as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC.
Bobby Green accuses Islam Makhachev of taking steroids from a young age: "There was something interesting about Islam"
Lewis Simpson - December 15, 2022
Bobby Green has accused UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev of taking steroids from a very young age. Green, who collides with Drew Dober this Saturday in Las Vegas, spent some time during his pre-fight media obligations claiming his most-recent opponent, Makhachev, had taken steroids in the past. The pair met earlier this year at UFC Vegas 49, where Makhachev scored a TKO victory in the opening round.
Islam Makhachev reacts to Paddy Pimblett’s controversial decision win at UFC 282
Susan Cox - December 14, 2022
Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has reacted to Paddy Pimblett’s controversial decision win at UFC 282. As have several fans and fighters alike, Islam Makhachev is also weighing in on the Liverpudlian’s most recent victory at UFC 282.