Ilia Topuria (left) fighting against Alexander Volkanovsky (dir.) in UFC 298. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews
Willing to put rivalry aside, Islam makhachev finally spoke about the harsh defeat of Alexander Volkanovsky for Ilia Topuria No. UFC 298. Experienced in the world of MMA, the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) stated that he did not appreciate the Australian's quick return to the Octagon after the knockout suffered in Abu Dhabi, four months before the duel against the Georgian.
“Of course (he came back too soon). Alex is a good fighter, he is a warrior, everyone knows. He can fight every day. But I always said that his team is very bad, because this mistake is not Alex's mistake. It's a mistake the team made because the team has to sit him down and tell him, 'Hey, it's too early,'" Makhachev told 'MMA Junkies'.
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In addition to blaming the Australian's team, Makhachev suggested the correct attitude for his rival to follow.
“He suffered a very bad and hard knockout in his last fight. He needs to rest for at least three or four months, without training, without anything. It is necessary to make a recovery and wait. He started fighting again very soon. It was a big mistake. He is a warrior, he can come back, but still, he needs time. He has to listen to his body and give it time to recover,” he concluded.
Islam makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovsky No. UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter UFC
Knocked out by Islam makhachev in Abu Dhabi, in October 2023, Volkanovski didn't hesitate as he quickly returned to the Octagon looking to get back on the winning path. Scheduled to defend title against Ilia Topuria No. UFC 298, in February of this year, the athlete ended up being defeated again by the fast track and recognized a mistake made in his career.
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