Alexander Volkanovski calls for immediate title rematch with Islam Makhachev: ‘Give the people what they want’

Alexander Volkanovski UFC 284 Islam Makhachev rematchUndisputed UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski has called for an immediate title re-run with lightweight division pacesetter, Islam Makhachev – having previously dropped a close, unanimous decision loss to the Russian earlier this month at UFC 284.  Volkanovski, the current undisputed featherweight champion, headlined UFC 284 earlier this month in Perth, Australia – taking on […]

Alexander Volkanovski UFC 284 Islam Makhachev rematch

Undisputed UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski has called for an immediate title re-run with lightweight division pacesetter, Islam Makhachev – having previously dropped a close, unanimous decision loss to the Russian earlier this month at UFC 284

Volkanovski, the current undisputed featherweight champion, headlined UFC 284 earlier this month in Perth, Australia – taking on Dagestan native, Makhachev for the latter’s undisputed lightweight crown.

Suffering a close, unanimous decision loss – which also came as the New South Wales native’s first under the banner of the UFC, Volkanovski immediately called for a title re-run with Makhachev in the aftermath of the Australia event.

Alexander Volkanovski calls for rematch with Islam Makhachev

And in the weeks removed from the matchup, Alexander Volkanovski has called for Makhachev to present fans a rematch.

“Let’s run it back and give the people what they want! @MAKHACHEVMMA (Islam Makhachev),” Alexander Volkanovski tweeted.

Enjoying a promotional-perfect run at the featherweight limit prior to his judging loss against Makhachev, Volkanovski most recently defeated former champion, Max Holloway in a unanimous decision win of his own at UFC 276 back in July of last year in the pair’s trilogy title fight.

Expected to return to the featherweight limit ahead of his championship outing against Makhchev earlier this month ‘Down Under’ – Volkanovski made the walk following an interim title fight between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett, with the Mexican striker landing the interim crown with a second round triangle submission stoppage. 

As for Makhachev, the American Kickboxing Academy staple managed to land his first successful lightweight title defense with his judging win over Volkanovski – having captured the vacant title in October of last year with a second round arm-triangle submission win over former champion, Charles Oliveira.

In the time since his win at UFC 284, Makhachev has also welcomed a move to the welterweight limit in pursuit of a second Octagon crown.

Chael Sonnen Reacts To Retirement Wish From Islam Makhachev’s Mother

Former UFC star Chael Sonnen has reacted after reigning lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev revealed that his mother has called for him to retire. Currently, Makhachev occupies the throne at 155 pounds and boasts one successful defense on his recor…

Former UFC star Chael Sonnen has reacted after reigning lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev revealed that his mother has called for him to retire. Currently, Makhachev occupies the throne at 155 pounds and boasts one successful defense on his record. After steamrolling through Charles Oliveira last October to win the gold, the Dagestani headed to enemy…

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Reacts To Retirement Wish From Islam Makhachev’s Mother at MMA News.

Chael Sonnen Reacts To Retirement Wish From Islam Makhachev’s Mother

Former UFC star Chael Sonnen has reacted after reigning lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev revealed that his mother has called for him to retire. Currently, Makhachev occupies the throne at 155 pounds and boasts one successful defense on his recor…

Former UFC star Chael Sonnen has reacted after reigning lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev revealed that his mother has called for him to retire. Currently, Makhachev occupies the throne at 155 pounds and boasts one successful defense on his record. After steamrolling through Charles Oliveira last October to win the gold, the Dagestani headed to enemy…

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Reacts To Retirement Wish From Islam Makhachev’s Mother at MMA News.

Michael Bisping does not believe Alexander Volkanovski or Islam Makhachev deserve No. 1 P4P ranking

Michael BispingMichael Bisping doesn’t believe Islam Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski are the rightful heirs to the No. 1 pound-for-pound throne. Earlier this month, Islam Makhachev put his UFC lightweight championship on the line for the first time against current 145-pound titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. It was the first time in promotional history that the No. 1 ranked […]

Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping doesn’t believe Islam Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski are the rightful heirs to the No. 1 pound-for-pound throne.

Earlier this month, Islam Makhachev put his UFC lightweight championship on the line for the first time against current 145-pound titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. It was the first time in promotional history that the No. 1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world squared off with the man sitting in the No. 2 spot and the fight did not disappoint. The two warriors engaged in a back-and-forth battle for 25 minutes that saw Makhachev retain his title via unanimous decision.

Despite scoring a win over the No. 1 ranked fighter in the world, Islam Makhachev has remained in the No. 2 spot igniting a debate over who the true pound-for-pound king is among fans and fighters. However, if you ask Michael Bisping, neither Islam Makhachev nor Alexander Volkanovski is deserving of the No. 1 ranking. Speaking in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘The Cout’ said:

“Who is the pound-for-pound number one? … That is the big story,” Michael Bisping said. “Recently, we had UFC 284… number one pound-for-pound against the number two… A lot of rankings still have Alexander Volkanovski as the pound-for-pound number one (even though he lost)… Volkanovski is still, against Islam, probably pound-for-pound a better fighter… (But), I don’t think Alexander Volkanovski is the pound-for-pound number one on the planet.

“That title belongs to a man that returns next week to the Octagon. Of course, I’m talking about Jonny ‘Bones’ Jones. He’s been out of action for a while, three years away from the Octagon. We know this. But that’s the guy. That’t the guy who’s run roughshod over the light heavyweight division for years, generations, taking out champion after champion,” Bisping continued. “We’re splitting hairs here, because they’re all good… However, Jon Jones, when you look at what he’s done… You can’t deny the man” (h/t MMA News)

Is Michael Bisping Forgetting About Jon Jones’ Lackluster Performances Against Thiago Santo and Dominick Reyes?

While one can respect and understand how Michael Bisping came to the conclusion that Jon Jones is deserving of the No. 1 P4P ranking, it seems as though ‘The Count’ is forgetting Jon Jones’ last two lackluster appearances in the Octagon.

Jon Jones will make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon on March 4 when he challenges Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC heavyweight championship. ‘Bones’ has not competed in more than three years, making him a curious choice as the top of Bisping’s personal pound-for-pound ranking. Jones has also had multiple decision victories that were highly scrutinized by fans that believe a “champion’s advantage” is the only thing that saved Jones from defeat.

In 2013, many fans felt that Alexander Gustafsson did enough to defeat Jones for the light heavyweight title at UFC 165. ‘Bones’ eventually put the controversy to bed with a third-round knockout of Gustafsson five years later at UFC 232. However, fans were once again calling foul after Jones escaped with closely contested decisions over Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes before vacating the title to make his heavyweight transition.

Do you agree with Michael Bisping? Let us know who you think is the UFC’s No. 1 ranked fighter in the comments section below.

MMA News Today (2/21/23): Tyron Woodley Ranks Tommy Fury Against Jake Paul’s Other Opponents, Conor McGregor Threatens Tom Aspinall and more

Welcome to MMA News today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For February 21, 2023, we’re taking a look at: Tyron Woodley Reveals Low Opinion Of Tommy Fury In a recent interview with BJ Penn, …

Welcome to MMA News today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For February 21, 2023, we’re taking a look at: Tyron Woodley Reveals Low Opinion Of Tommy Fury In a recent interview with BJ Penn, former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley was asked for his…

Continue Reading MMA News Today (2/21/23): Tyron Woodley Ranks Tommy Fury Against Jake Paul’s Other Opponents, Conor McGregor Threatens Tom Aspinall and more at MMA News.

Bisping: Neither Alexander Volkanovski Nor Islam Makhachev Are P4P No.1

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping believes that one individual has a greater claim to the pound-for-pound top spot than both Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev. Earlier this month, lightweight king Makhachev put his crown on the line in enemy …

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping believes that one individual has a greater claim to the pound-for-pound top spot than both Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev. Earlier this month, lightweight king Makhachev put his crown on the line in enemy territory against the titleholder from below. Having achieved immeasurable success at featherweight, where he’s remained on…

Continue Reading Bisping: Neither Alexander Volkanovski Nor Islam Makhachev Are P4P No.1 at MMA News.