Alexander Volkanovski wants to rematch Islam Makhachev, and thinks it’s only fair that it takes place in Abu Dhabi.
Featherweight champion Volkanovski (25-2 MMA, 12-1 UFC) hopes he gets to run things back with lightweight champ Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) after he fell short in a unanimous decision loss at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.
After he got his opportunity to become UFC dual-champion in his home country, Volkanovski is willing to head into enemy territory for another shot at Makhachev, who has spent numerous training camps in the United Arab Emirates.
“Should we do it again? Maybe Abu Dhabi,” Volkanovski told Makhachev after the fight on his YouTube channel. “You deserve one in Abu Dhabi – my turn to get booed.
“Make rematch happen: Abu Dhabi. Yes, that’s fair.”
Volkanovski closed out the fight strong. He dropped Makhachev and landed big ground and pound before the sound of the horn. A frustrated Volkanovski thought he had done enough to win the fight, but wishes he performed better in the earlier rounds. Makhachev was awarded Rounds 1 and 2 on all three judges’ scorecards.
“Why couldn’t there be a couple of more rounds?” Volkanovski said while walking back to the locker room after the fight. “Like I said, I could have done more, so I’m going to blame myself.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 284.
Alexander Volkanovski suggests Islam Makhachev rematch in Abu Dhabi: ‘My turn to get booed’