In a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has revealed that he jokingly turned down Alexander Volkanovski’s invitation to visit Australia and film a video for his food channel, Cooking With Volk.
Makhachev and Volkanovski have shared the octagon twice, delivering two highly entertaining bouts. Their first meeting came at UFC 284 in Australia in February 2023, where two elite fighters at the peak of their powers produced a fiercely competitive contest. Makhachev ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory after 25 hard-fought minutes.
Their second meeting took place at UFC 294. Makhachev was initially booked to face Charles Oliveira, but the Brazilian was forced to withdraw due to injury. Volkanovski then stepped in on just 11 days’ notice for the highly anticipated rematch.
Makhachev made quick work of the Australian on the night, landing a picture-perfect head kick in the first round that dropped Volkanovski to the canvas before finishing him with vicious ground-and-pound.
Both fighters have publicly expressed enormous respect for each other. Speaking about Volkanovski’s recent invitation, Makhachev said:
“Volk is doing cooking stuff now. He sends me a video and says, ‘Come to Australia, let’s cook together.’ I said, ‘I don’t like Australia.’ He asked, ‘Why?’ I said I have bad memories from Australia. He said, ‘Okay then, I’ll come to your farm.”
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Islam Makhachev urges Usman Nurmagomedov to test himself in the UFC
In the same interview, Islam Makhachev stated that he wants Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, to sign with the UFC.
The reigning PFL lightweight champion has continued to sharpen his skills outside the promotion, but Makhachev believes Nurmagomedov now needs to test himself against tougher competition in the UFC. Makhachev said:
“Usman should make a move. To fully realize his potential, he needs tougher opponents. They push you to grow. I think Usman still has room to improve.“
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Makhachev also pointed out that Nurmagomedov is nearing the end of his current PFL contract. However, he urged the 28-year-old to sign another three-fight deal with the promotion if the UFC does not present a better offer.
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