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Islam Makhachev of Russia successfully defended his UFC Lightweight Championship against Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. After knocking out the Australian mixed martial artist in a rematch with a stunning head kick during the first round, the 31-year-old shared his thoughts in a post-fight press conference about potentially facing Charles Oliviera or Justin Gaethje down the road.
Holding the record of 25-1 with five knockouts and 11 submission victories, Islam Makhachev talked about how he feels that he already has two opponents waiting for him to fight in the UFC next. His name-dropped Charles Oliviera, his original opponent for UFC 294, while talking about how facing up against Justin Gaethje will not be a good idea.
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In the UFC 294 post-fight press conference, the Russian said, “I feel like I already have two opponents. Charles? OK, I will beat Charles, but who’s going to be next? Gaethje? He will wait? I don’t think it’s a good idea, but it is what it is. If they say Charles, OK. If they say Gaethje, for me, it’s OK.”
Talking about Charles Oliviera, he was scheduled to go one-on-one against Islam Makhachev in the championship match, but he had to pull out of UFC 294, just 11 days prior, due to a cut on his eyebrow. While Alexander Volkanovski took the title fight on short notice, the Brazilian combat sports athlete could get his chance to face Islam Makhachev, as per the UFC President Dana White.
He was quoted as saying, “Listen, you gotta give it to Oliveira. Oliveira’s ready to go. Unfortunately, he got cut. I think you give it to Oliveira, but again, these are all questions I can’t really answer right now. We get home, we figure stuff out, and see what’s next for everybody.”
Justin Gaethje, the American mixed martial artist, who is No. 2 ranked fighter in the lightweight division rankings, is one of the top contenders to take on Islam Makhachev. He could also take the different route, taking up the challenge of either Colby Covington or Leon Edwards, who are scheduled to head-to-head at UFC 296
