he current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has expressed his displeasure with Alexander Volkanovski’s quick comeback to the cage after their fight at UFC 294 in October.
Volkanovski, the featherweight titleholder, suffered a second consecutive knockout defeat against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February, prompting Makhachev to question the decision-making of Volkanovski’s team.
During a discussion with MMA Junkie, Makhachev shared his viewpoint, indicating that he firmly believes that Volkanovski’s team committed a serious mistake by permitting him to enter competition once more in such a short time frame following their previous bout.
Makhachev asserted that Volkanovski’s swift return was undoubtedly premature. He acknowledged Volkanovski’s prowess as a fighter, highlighting his warrior spirit that is well-known to all.
However, Makhachev criticized Volkanovski’s team, emphasizing that the decision to return early was not Volkanovski’s fault but rather a misstep on the part of his team.
Islam Makhachev’s Perspective
Islam Makhachev highlighted the importance of proper recovery following a knockout, emphasizing that Volkanovski’s team should have advised him to take a longer break from competition. “He had a very bad, tough knockout in his last fight.
Despite the setbacks, Volkanovski remains determined to bounce back. He has announced plans to take a break from fighting and is pushing for a rematch against Topuria at the end of the year, even expressing a willingness to travel to Spain for the bout.
Volkanovski’s decision to take time off reflects an acknowledgment of the toll recent losses have taken on him. However, his eagerness for a rematch demonstrates his resilience and commitment to reclaiming his position atop the featherweight division.
As Volkanovski regroups and strategizes for his return, the spotlight remains on his team’s handling of his career trajectory, with Makhachev’s critique serving as a cautionary reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete well-being over immediate competition.
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