Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion, was the opponent for Islam Makhachev’s initial defence of the lightweight championship. In UFC 284, the two top-ranked fighters in terms of pound-for-pound competition put on an exciting display for the Australian audience.
The closely contested battle ended in the lightweight champion’s favour, but Volkanovski’s performance has led to calls for a rematch from both sides of the ring, including the fans. After their battle, the two talked about it behind the scenes, and “Volk” made his rematch request official on Twitter.
Dana White, president of the UFC, is opposed to having the two champions square off in the near future. At the UFC Vegas 70 post-fight news conference, he expressed his opinion that contenders in each category should be given a shot at the title first.
According to White, Volkanovski will go up against Yair Rodriguez, the interim featherweight champion, first. He also claimed that Islam Makhachev will face a lightweight opponent before a rematch with the P4P champion.
“I don’t know, I mean, listen. We haven’t yet started any conflicts. You know, a lot of various factors come into play to create these battles. Whatever it may be—timing, injuries, personal issues, etc.” “But, whenever that occurs, I believe that the battle that makes the most sense is between Yair and Volkanovski, or Islam and someone else. After that, you play again.
Daniel Cormier does not endorse an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski
Daniel Cormier, a former teammate of Islam Makhachev, agreed with Dana White on the rematch.
On the DC & RC Show, the former double champion said that before rematching, both Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski should compete in their respective divisions once more. He highlighted the interim featherweight champion as well as possible rivals:
In his own weight division, Alexander Volkanovski and Islam both have work to do. Volkanovski owes Yair Rodriguez a duty to go and give him the chance to compete for the title of indisputable world champion.
And I’m not sure if it’s fair for Beneil Dariush to lose out on the opportunity to compete for the world lightweight championship if he defeats Charles Oliveira.
DC also highlighted the dangers of superfights involving different divisions:
“This is the risk with superfights: If there is a close one, everyone wants to watch it again. When in fact, we need the champions of two divisions to return to provide us with some clarity.
