Tag: Alexander Volkanovski

Charles Oliveira: Islam Makhachev’s knockout of Alexander Volkanovski shows evolution to standup game

Charles Oliveira praises Islam Makhachev for the way he finished Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294.

[autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] praised UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] for the way he finished [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag].

Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) knocked out Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) with a head kick in the first round of their title-fight rematch last Saturday at UFC 294. Volkanovski stepped in on short notice to replace Oliveira, who was forced out due to a cut.

Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) was impressed with the strides Makhachev made in his striking, especially his kicking game.

“This only goes to show with the things that I’ve said before, the evolution of Islam’s game standing up,” Oliveira said through an interpreter on “The MMA Hour.” “I mean, what a read that he had of that fight to start kicking low and just ended up kicking high. So, I mean, kudos to him.

“All props to him and also all the props, as well, to Volkanovski for actually taking that fight on short notice. I mean, all respect to both of them. They’re great fighters, and obviously Islam is a great champion and all respect to both fighters. It shows his evolution as an MMA fighter.”

UFC CEO Dana White initially said the plan is to rebook Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2, then said it will depend on how long it takes for Oliveira’s cut to heal. While he expects their rematch to be rebooked, Oliveira said he’s yet to receive a definitive word.

“No one has said anything,” Oliveira said. “They know who I am, they know what I’m all about, they know that I’m going to train to become a champion. I’m training, and I’m getting ready for it. They know what I’m all about. I don’t fight for money. I fight to make history, and I fight for my legacy.

“So, I’m going to continue to train, continue to get prepared and try to get up to 100 percent just like I was right before this fight. When I’m at 100 percent, that’s when I’ll be ready to fight. … I want the belt. Whoever’s got that belt, it doesn’t matter who has it. I want that belt.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Henry Cejudo to Alexander Volkanovski: ‘Humble yourself’ and take time off after UFC 294 loss

Henry Cejudo doesn’t think it would be wise for UFC champ Alexander Volkanovski to fight in January like he wants to.

[autotag]Henry Cejudo[/autotag] doesn’t think it’s wise for featherweight champion [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] to make a quick turnaround after UFC 294.

Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to challenge lightweight champ Islam Makhachev this past Saturday, but he was knocked out in the first round. After the loss, Volkanovski opened up about some of his recent mental struggles but insisted that he’s OK.

The setback marked Volkanovski’s first stoppage loss in the octagon, but “The Great” said he still intends on defending his featherweight title vs. Ilia Topuria in January, which Cejudo warns him against.

“If I’m Alexander Volkanovski, on the flip side, you know what I’m doing? I’ve got to humble myself,” Cejudo said on his YouTube channel. “I’ve got to allow my brain to heal for the next six months. I’ve been concussed, I’ve been knocked out to the body, but being concussed or going through a knockout, it takes you a minute for you to really kind of start walking that straight line.

“So there’s two sides. Volk, take your damn time. I wouldn’t necessarily be in a rush. You’re going to have to humble yourself. Yeah, I’m saying humble yourself because it shouldn’t be about ego nor pride. It should be about winning. It should be about preparation. It should be about your legacy.”

Cejudo explained that unbeaten finisher Topuria is exactly the kind of fighter that can make you pay for not taking an adequate amount of time off after suffering a knockout loss.

“If you want to take the fight on Jan. 20, kudos to you,” Cejudo continued. “But will you win? Will you be 100 percent? You just lost the 155-pound strap that you were going to capture, and the last thing you want to do is now go down and fight at 145 pounds and lose to a guy that only has 12, 13 fights.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Video: Did Khamzat Chimaev do enough against Kamaru Usman to get a title shot?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” discusses if Khamzat Chimaev solidified a UFC middleweight title shot by defeating Kamaru Usman at UFC 294.

[autotag]Khamzat Chimaev[/autotag] may be next in line for a UFC title shot in the middleweight division. At least, that’s what the UFC promised the winner of the UFC 294 co-feature bout ahead of the main event in Abu Dhabi.

Chimaev was originally scheduled to compete against Paulo Costa at the event, but just 10 days ahead of the event, he learned a replacement opponent would be needed. Enter Kamaru Usman. The former UFC welterweight champion stepped up on short notice looking to rebound from a pair of losses to Leon Edwards, but Chimaev walked away with his hand raised.

Although Chimaev started off very strong with a 10-8 round, many believe Usman won the next two rounds. Considering how the fight played out, and the questions about how Chimaev would have looked if it were a five-round fight, can we confidently say he’s a lock for the next title shot ahead of other contenders?

Dricus Du Plessis has a very strong case for a shot at UFC gold, but if the promotion sticks to its word, he could get passed over for the undefeated Chimaev.

We asked our “Spinning Back Clique” to discuss the middleweight title picture, and where Chimaev fits. Farah Hannoun, Nolan King, and Brian “Goze” Garcia discuss with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

You can watch their conversation in the video above, and check out this week’s full episode below on YouTube or in podcast form.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Alexander Volkanovski adamant about January UFC title fight vs. Ilia Topuria: ‘I don’t need a break’

Despite a crushing defeat at UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski’s plans haven’t changed: He wants Ilia Topuria in January.

UFC featherweight champion [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]’s plans remain the same: Fight [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] in January.

Volkanovski is adamant about a quick return to the octagon, despite getting knocked out this past Saturday in a rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) had been rumored for a title defense against Topuria in January prior to taking the short-notice fight against Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC). And even after getting stopped for the first time in his UFC career in violent fashion, Volkanovski’s sights are still set on that first UFC pay-per-view of 2024.

“I talked to the UFC and I said keep me busy, and I say that because, again, I’m in my prime, I need to fight,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “A lot of people are like, ‘He needs a break and this.’ I don’t need a break. I want to get back in camp.

“I obviously talked to doctors to make sure there’s no concussion, the stitches and what not, but like I said I’m the best version of myself inside and outside the cage when I have a clear direction. And clear direction is having a fight. I think January still looks great to me. Ilia Topuria is obviously a very exciting fight, and I can shift all of my attention to that. You’re going to see a better version of myself in January, I promise you that. I cannot wait for it. Again, I’m all good, and thank you all for the support.”

Volkanovski had gone up to lightweight hoping to capture a second UFC title. Prior to that, he had fought in July when he defended his belt against dangerous striker Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. He won that fight by TKO.

Volkanovski had arm surgery shortly after the fight in August and took the rematch with Makhachev on less than two weeks’ notice. Despite the unfavorable result, the 35-year-old doesn’t regret his decision to take the short-notice bout at UFC 294.

“I still stand by that decision because I believe in myself all the time, and I think people should challenge themselves,” Volkanovski said. “I’ve been a big advocate for people to challenge themselves and put themselves in this position. High risk, high reward, I’m a big believer in that.

“I was chasing greatness. I think I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t the professional and disciplined person that I was the last few months that I usually am. So the timing of this fight coming while I wasn’t in the gym as much as I’d like to be. I wasn’t getting the rounds I usually am, and that’s what you’ve seen.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Video: What’s the takeaway from Alexander Volkanovski’s stoppage loss at UFC 294?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” discusses Alexander Volkanovski’s second loss to Islam Makhachev, and how he should proceed after UFC 294.

[autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] wanted to get one back against Islam Makhachev on short notice, but things went wrong quickly in his second opportunity to win a second UFC title.

The UFC featherweight champion stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to replace Charles Oliveira, who could not compete against Islam Makhachev in the UFC 294 main event due to a nasty cut suffered in one of his final sparring sessions. Volkanovski raised his hand and entered with confidence, saying he was looking to finish Makhachev in their lightweight title rematch.

Unfortunately for Volkanovski, he was the one who was stopped in the first round after a powerful head kick found its mark.

Despite the outcome, Volkanovski didn’t waste time saying he wanted to remain active. He’s already eyeing a placement on January’s UFC 297 card for a featherweight title fight against Ilia Topuria. Is that the right play, or should he take some time off after a devastating finish? Was there anything else that stood out about Volkanovski’s performance in Abu Dhabi?

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We asked our “Spinning Back Clique” to discuss the biggest takeaway for Volkanovski in this loss. Farah Hannoun, Nolan King, and Brian “Goze” Garcia discuss with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

You can watch their conversation in the video above, and check out this week’s full episode below on YouTube or in podcast form.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Alexander Volkanovski elaborates on emotional UFC 294 post-fight comments: ‘I want everyone to know that I’m OK’

Alexander Volkanovski unexpectedly was overcome with emotion after UFC 294, and he’s glad that it spread some awareness on mental health.

[autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag]’s emotional UFC 294 post-fight comments caught a lot of people by surprise.

Following a disappointing KO loss at UFC 294 on Saturday, Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) had an held back tears in front of reporters as he vented about mental health struggles, saying he was “doing my head in” in the months prior to taking the short-notice rematch against Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC).

The UFC featherweight champion is known for his dominant reign at 145 pounds and his high-level skills, but he’s also known for being a happy, positive and charismatic figure, which is why many didn’t see Volkanovski’s comments coming after UFC 294.

On Tuesday, Volkanovski took to his YouTube channel to elaborate on what he’s been going through and assured fans that he’s OK.

“So straight after the fight, I did the post-fight press conference and I want people to understand that, yeah, there was a raw emotion seen, but I want everyone to know that I’m OK,” Volkanovski explained. “I think that people have to remember that I did just come off getting tagged, knocked out. I lost. I knew that legacy wise and all that, all those things start coming into play, so that was obviously hurting me.”

Volkanovski said he had a lot of pressure built up given the recent birth of his daughter and arm surgery after UFC 290 that slowed down his training. Taking the fight against Makhachev was almost a return to normalcy for him.

The 35-year-old Volkanovski knows he doesn’t have much time left in his career, which is why the pressure got to him.

“Sometimes you put a lot of pressure on yourself because I know I need to make the most of me in my prime because my days are numbered,” Volkanovski said. “Me and my wife, we’re great. We have a beautiful family, and we’re good. I want everyone to know that. I don’t want everyone thinking that it’s not like that.

“It’s just me trying to deal with being a high-performance athlete and me not being able to fulfill that side of things, especially the last three months. When I’m in camp, there’s a specific direction, and it’s easy when it comes to that, and I’m still very present at home. I’m probably even a better dad when I’m in camp. I’m ticking all the boxes, but it was harder to do that the last few weeks when everything was happening. I want everyone to know that it was just more of the timing, and that’s why you see me a little more vulnerable in the press conference after getting knocked out and having that sort of situation.”

Volkanovski said many fighters reached out to him, not only in support but also asking him for advice. He doesn’t regret breaking down and wants to normalize these types of conversations in hopes to lessen stigma around mental health issues.

“One thing that I do want to say, even though I’m fine, I’m sort of glad you guys got to see that raw emotion, and we do touch on the mental side of things when it comes to everyone, not just fighters and athletes, anyone in general.” Volkanovski said. “I think that it’s good for awareness. I think these are conversations people should be having.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Video: Is Islam Makhachev an all-time great, or is the jury still out?

Our “Spinning Back Clique” panel discusses Islam Makhachev’s current standing in MMA history.

[autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] made a statement in his win at UFC 294.

The UFC lightweight champion looked better than ever when he took out featherweight champ [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] with a first-round knockout after he landed a head kick. Not only did Makhachev put a stamp on his rivalry with Volkanovski, but the 31-year-old has now won 13 straight fights, is 14-1 in the UFC, and has finishes in six of his past seven appearances.

Is it time that we place Makhachev’s name among the all-time greats in the lightweight division? If that status is a little premature, what more does he need to do to solidify his place among the best to ever do it at 155 pounds? What about all-time great status regardless of division?

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We asked our “Spinning Back Clique” to look at Makhachev’s resume from a historical perspective. Farah Hannoun, Nolan King, and Brian “Goze” Garcia discuss with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

You can watch their conversation in the video above, and then check out this week’s complete episode below on YouTube or in podcast form.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Video: Alexander Volkanovski receives hero’s welcome at airport after UFC 294 defeat

Even in defeat, UFC champ Alexander Volkanovski is still a hero in the eyes of many.

[autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] didn’t walk away from UFC 294 victorious, but the love he received proved unwavering regardless.

When Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) arrived home in Australia, he was greeted by his family and friends – and a traditional haka performance.  There were hugs, gifts and cheers as Volkanovski was welcomed back with open arms.

“That was a surprise. I had no idea,” Volkanovski said in a video posted by the UFC. “I was walking out and I’d seen a few … it caught me by surprise. I choked up a little bit coming down, and I ended up holding it together over here. Obviously I really appreciate everyone. The support has been incredible.”

The UFC featherweight champion, Volkanovski challenged Islam Makhachev for the promotion’s lightweight title Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and was knocked out by a head kick in Round 1. The loss was his second unsuccessful title challenge vs. Makhachev, who also defeated him by split decision at UFC 284 in February.

After the fight, Volkanovski explained the hardships of being a high-level competitor as he held back tears during a raw post-fight news conference. Volkanovski aims to return to featherweight in January and defend his title vs. Ilia Topuria.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Javier Mendez happy Islam Makhachev beat Alexander Volkanovski definitively at UFC 294 and left no doubt

Javier Mendez thinks Islam Makhachev left no doubt by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294.

Javier Mendez thinks [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] left no doubt by knocking out [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] at UFC 294.

After going five hard rounds at UFC 284 in Perth, Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) was able to stop Volkanovski with a first-round head kick knockout in their title-fight rematch this past Saturday at Etihad Arena.

“There was unclarity,” Mendez told Submission Radio of their first fight. “I wanted it to be clear and definitive. You know, hey, it’s over, move on, that’s it. I wanted that for that reason for me personally, and obviously for Islam – but me, too. I wanted to, ‘Hey, we won that fight’ – like I always said, turn off the music on the first fight and then look at it objectively and see who landed the better strikes, see who had the more control. But it was a great fight.”

Although Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to replace Charles Oliveira, Mendez says the way Makhachev finished Volkanovski early closed their chapter.

“I’ll tell you what, in all honesty, I’m glad it didn’t go more than one round, because then there was going to be doubt again – not enough training, not enough this, not enough that,” Mendez said. “You can’t say nothing off of this – cannot. It’s just: Hey, question solved. Move on.

“Let’s let them both move on to the next chapter in their great fighting careers and create that great legacy that both of them have. Both of them have a great legacy. You can’t do nothing but love Alex. You really can’t. He is such a lovable guy. In defeat, in victory, he is still a lovable guy – very, very respectful family man. I have nothing but the most admiration for him.”

UFC CEO Dana White expressed interest in rebooking Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2, but Makhachev didn’t seem too keen due to the dominant way he beat him at UFC 280. Mendez thinks Oliveira may have missed out on his opportunity for now.

“I have never talked to Islam about that, but based on the interviews, I think Charles is going to have to get on that horse,” Mendez said. “I think it’s a sad thing that he missed that great opportunity. I don’t know how he got that cut, but I would hope to think that he was probably wearing headgear. I make my guys wear headgear for that very reason. You may not be going hard, but anything accidental, a head to a head causes easily cuts like that.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Islam Makhachev thinks Alexander Volkanovski should rest after UFC 294 – not push for January return

Islam Makhachev thinks Alexander Volkanovski should rest longer than the January return he said he wants after UFC 294.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] is itching to get back in the octagon and wants to stay active. But [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] doesn’t think it’s such a great a idea.

Makhachev and Volkanovski fought for a second time Saturday in the main event of UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) knocked out Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) with a head kick in the first round of their lightweight championship fight.

After the contest, Volkanovski revealed he was struggling mentally with not being busy, which helped prompt his decision to take the rematch on just 12 days’ notice. The featherweight champion also said he wants to return in January to defend his belt against unbeaten contender Ilia Topuria.

Makhachev doesn’t think it’s a good idea.

“He has to (take a break),” Makhachev told reporters at the UFC 294 post-fight press conference. “He has a big cut on his eye. He (took) a very good kick. That’s why he has to take some rest – 100 percent.

“If he’s smart, if his team is smart, he has to take a couple of months rest because this is not like I choked him or body kick. This was a head kick. Not just his coach, but his doctor and his team have to make (that) decision.”

As far as Makhachev’s finish, the Dagestani fighter knew that he was eventually going to knock someone out with a head kick, and he thought that Volkanovski was a good candidate for that shot.

“My coach always said, ‘Hey, you have a good head kick,'” Makhachev said. “I always try to land that kick when I fight. In my mind, I always think, ‘When is this kick going to land?’ I know I kick very well and for the opponent like Volkanovski who’s a little bit short, the best plan was to land some kick. When you have a short opponent, it’s easy to land.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.