Alex Volkanovski News
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.
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.
Alex Volkanovski couldn't pull the trigger in UFC 294 rematch with Islam Makhachev: "It just felt a little weird"
Fernando Quiles - October 22, 2023
Alex Volkanovski admits he hesitated in his UFC 294 rematch against Islam Makhachev and he paid for it. Volkanovski stepped up on short notice to challenge Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship this past Saturday (October 21). “The Great” replaced an injured Charles Oliveira. Fight fans were eagerly anticipating the rematch, as the first encounter between Makhachev and Volkanovski was a thrilling five-round war. The rematch played out far differently.
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.
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.
Alexander Volkanovski was "all good" after receiving UFC 294 short-notice call
Zain Bando - October 20, 2023
Ahead of his short-notice rematch with Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski sat down with the NELK Boys to discuss how the fight came together and if there was any hesitation in accepting. Answer — there was not.
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.
Israel Adesanya explains why he’s picking Alexander Volkanovski to finish Islam Makhachev at UFC 294: “His 8 Mile moment”
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2023
Israel Adesanya has explained why he believes Alexander Volkanovski will defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. This weekend, Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to do what many believe is quite unlikely. He’ll lock horns with Islam Makhachev for the second time as he goes after the UFC lightweight championship. If he wins, especially on short notice, many believe he’ll be taking the first step on the road to being involved in the GOAT conversation.
WATCH | Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev get heated in a back-and-forth over rehydration: "He needs all the advantages"
Cole Shelton - October 19, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev had a heated back-and-forth over rehydration during the UFC 294 press conference. Volkanovski and Makhachev fought back in February in Australia and after the fight, Dan Hooker accused the lightweight champ of using an IV to rehydrate. Although it has never been proven, ahead of UFC 294, Makhachev claims having 40 hours to rehydrate before this fight will be a difference in his power.
Alexander Volkanovski believes if roles were reversed Islam Makhachev wouldn't step up on short notice
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t think Islam Makhachev would have stepped up on short notice like he did. Makhachev was supposed to headline UFC 294 in a rematch against Charles Oliveira this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. However, less than two weeks out from the fight, Oliveira was forced out of the bout due to an injury. Volkanovski ended up stepping up to rematch Makhachev on 12 days’ notice.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 title fight
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev is looking to defend his lightweight title for the second time as he rematches Alexander Volkanovski. Heading into the fight, Makhachev is a -265 favorite while the featherweight champ is a +200 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are actually leaning toward Volkanovski pulling off the upset, despite taking it on short notice.
Dan Hardy claims Alexander Volkanovski rematch is a “far less threatening” fight when compared to Charles Oliveira
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2023
Dan Hardy believes Islam Makhachev has a clearer path to victory against Alexander Volkanovski than against Charles Oliveira. On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight championship against Alexander Volkanovski for the second time. He should’ve been going up against Charles Oliveira, but ‘Do Bronx’ was forced to pull out as a result of a cut sustained in training.
Alexander Volkanovski believes knockout is needed against Islam Makhachev: "Can't afford to do anything else"
Josh Evanoff - October 16, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski believes he’ll finish Islam Makhachev on Saturday. ‘The Great’ is in a position that he didn’t expect him to be in. Last defeating Yair Rodriguez in July, Alexander Volkanovski was reportedly expected to face Ilia Topuria in January. However, due to an injury to Charles Oliveira, he will step in on short notice to face Islam Makhachev this weekend.
Alex Volkanovski makes plans clear for Islam Makhachev rematch at UFC 294: "I’m going to be a dangerous man in there"
Fernando Quiles - October 15, 2023
UFC featherweight titleholder Alex Volkanovski has his plans set for the short-notice rematch against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski stepped up to the plate after Charles Oliveira was pulled from a planned championship rematch with Makhachev at UFC 294. Oliveira suffered a nasty cut on his eyebrow during a sparring session. The cut was bad enough that “do Bronx” wasn’t cleared to fight in Abu Dhabi.