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Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has stepped up to an incredible challenge with less than two weeks' notice, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. This Saturday's marquee event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will witness Volkanovski's daring bid to dethrone lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.
Following his narrow defeat to Makhachev at UFC 284 in February, Volkanovski has been resolute in his quest for redemption. Their first encounter saw Volkanovski push Makhachev to the limit, ultimately losing by unanimous decision.
Now, he seizes the opportunity for a rematch, albeit with significantly less time to prepare. Intriguingly, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker envisions the element of surprise favoring Volkanovski in this high-stakes UFC 294 headliner.
The impending battle promises to be a must-watch spectacle, with Volkanovski's unwavering determination and warrior spirit taking center stage. Whittaker: What does Makhachev do from the first fight to beat Volk? “I’m interested for this fight for sure, just to see how the dynamic between Makhachev and Volk changes from the first fight,” Whittaker said on his MMArcade Podcast.
“Him going in maybe 12 days with nothing to lose, making a ton of money, last minute, late notice, nothing to lose, everything to gain – I think that sort of head space gets him in there almost better than the first time they fought because it frees him up”.
“He’s got nothing to lose, everything to gain,” Whittaker said. “I can see that being a bit of a problem for Makhachev. I look at it and I wonder, ‘What does Makhachev do from the first fight to beat Volk? What can Makhachev do differently so that it’s not as close of a fight?’ Because arguably, Volk won”.
as quoted by MMAJunkie Alexander Volkanovski, a dominant force in the world of mixed martial arts, is an Australian-born fighter who competes in the UFC's featherweight division. Known for his exceptional striking skills, relentless pace, and impressive wrestling abilities, Volkanovski has risen to the top of the sport.
He first gained widespread recognition when he captured the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2019 by defeating Max Holloway. With a background in rugby, Volkanovski's athleticism and determination have been instrumental in his success.
He has defended his title with a tenacious fighting style, making him one of the most respected and feared fighters in the featherweight division.