UFC lightweight champion Russian Islam Makhachev has called on Australian Alexander Volkanovski to withdraw from defending his featherweight championship belt against Ilia Topuria on January 20 at UFC 297.
Recall, Makhachev defeated Volkanovski by first-round knockout on October 21 in Abu Dhabi at UFC 294.
January, he cannot. He has a big cut on his eye, and he missed a very good kick, and that’s why he has to take some rest. If he’s smart, if his team’s smart, he has to take a couple months’ rest.
The first meeting between Makhachev and Volkanovski, which took place at UFC 284 in February 2023, ended with Islam winning by unanimous decision of the judges.
Makhachev, 31, has 25 wins and one loss. Volkanovski, 35, has 26 wins and three losses.
