Alexander Volkanovski has already confirmed he will move up a weight class following his fight against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. The current UFC featherweight champion is set to defend his gold for the fifth time against the Mexican fighter. Volkanovski also confirmed his intention of fighting Islam Makhachev again for the lightweight gold after their controversial outing back at UFC 284.
It’s safe to say the result of UFC 290 will determine what lies ahead of Alexander Volkanovski, but should he emerge victorious, a rematch against Makhachev is on the cards. When? There’s a huge possibility we could see Volaknovski and Makhachev take on each other at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Alexander Volkanovski will fight at UFC 294?
As it stands right now, all fingers seem to be pointing at a rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi. However, Makhachev’s dominant performance against Oliveira at the same venue raises some eyebrows. Moreover, Makhachev did not look too pleased with fighting Oliveira again. He made it quite clear after Do Bronx beat Beneil Dariush back at UFC 289.
However, Makhachev has not ruled out the possibility of fighting Alexander Volkanovski. While it will be interesting to see if Volkanovski can make a quick turnaround to take on Makhachev with a win this weekend. However, confirming that Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 is happening in Abu Dhabi will be wrong. Be that as it may, there’s a huge chance that the UFC could be planning for the unique encounter.
“I think so; let’s be real, everyone wants that rematch,” Volkanovski said. “I want it. I know the UFC wants it, and we just gotta see exactly what’s gonna happen, but that’s what I want to do; I want to be active. So bring it on,” Volaknovski said on The MMA Hour.
A dominant performance against someone like Yair Rodriguez could catapult the UFC’s featherweight champion to move to the 155lbs division again. However, it will be easier said than done against someone like Yair.
A loss at UFC 290 could keep Volkanovski in the UFC’s featherweight division if he looks to reclaim his belt. Chances are the Australian fighter is not going anywhere from the featherweight division even if he gets his hands on the lightweight gold.
A move to the lightweight division looks inevitable. Whether or not it will come against Islam Makhachev with the title belt on the line, only time will tell. Be it in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere.
