In an unprecedented twist of fate, reigning UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has set his sights on a colossal rematch with lightweight kingpin, Islam Makhachev, and he’s pinpointed the historic UFC 300 as the battleground for their titanic showdown.
Volkanovski, who recently affirmed his championship dominance with a victory over Ilia Topuria, seems to have his next two moves strategically planned out. First, a formidable defense against the unbeaten Topuria, and then the long-awaited rematch with the unstoppable force that is Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev, with a virtually unblemished record of 24-1, is gearing up for a title defense against Charles Oliveira at UFC 294, which is scheduled to take place on October 21 in the dazzling city of Abu Dhabi.
Speaking exclusively to the media backstage at UFC 293, Volkanovski voiced his determination, saying, “You got the Ilia fight that’s always going to be there. 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.”
The Australian champion had initially hoped to lock horns with Makhachev this year, but the jam-packed schedule of champions has necessitated a slight delay in his plans. “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.”
Fans will vividly remember the heart-pounding clash between Volkanovski and Makhachev at UFC 284 earlier this year, a bout that saw Volkanovski push Makhachev to his limits but ultimately fall short, succumbing to a decision loss.
Yet, if both champions can successfully defend their titles in the coming months, Volkanovski believes that UFC 300, the grand spectacle of all UFC events, is the ideal setting for the ultimate rematch. “I think that makes a lot of sense,” Volkanovski asserted. “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.”
As the countdown to UFC 300 begins, the anticipation for this potential rematch between Volkanovski and Makhachev is sure to reach fever pitch. Fight fans worldwide will eagerly await the official announcement that could propel UFC 300 into the annals of sports history as one of the most epic showdowns ever witnessed in the Octagon.
