Islam Makhachev said he respects Volkanovski, who replaced Oliveira in the UFC fight
Russian mixed style (MMA) fighter Islam Makhachev took to Instagram (the social network is banned in the Russian Federation; it belongs to the Meta corporation, which is recognized as extremist in Russia and is banned) to Australian Alexander Volkanovski, who replaced Charles Oliveira as the Russian’s opponent in the fight at the UFC 294 tournament.
“Respect you for accepting the challenge on short notice. But don’t use that as an excuse after the fight,” said the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion.
Earlier on October 11, it became known that Brazilian Charles Oliveira withdrew from the fight against the Russian due to injury. He said he suffered a serious cut to his eyebrow and needed nine stitches. After this, UFC head Dana White announced that he would be replaced by featherweight belt holder Volkanovski in the fight on October 21.
Volkanovski and Makhachev already met in the Octagon in February 2023. Then the Russian won by unanimous decision.
In total, the 31-year-old Russian had 25 fights in his career, in which he scored 24 victories and suffered one defeat. The 35-year-old Volkanovski has 26 wins and two losses.
Source: Lenta
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
