Islam Makhachev recalls problem experienced before first fight with Alexander Volkanovski: 'Crazy'

I. Makhachev is the current UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Islam Makhachev could break the record for lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) title defenses this Saturday when he faces Arman Tsarukyan for the second time, but his first fight as champion, against Alexander Volkanovski in February 2023, is still remembered by many as the most difficult of his career. Recently, the Russian recalled the fight and explained one of the reasons why his performance wasn't as dominant as usual on that occasion.

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In an interview with the podcast MightyAccording to former UFC flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) Demetrious Johnson, the Russian fighter mentioned having trouble rehydrating after the weigh-in due to the time difference with Australia, where the event was held.

“I had a really bad recovery after the weigh-in for the first fight. We flew to Australia, and they (UFC) had the show start at 65 in the morning. They do this show on American time; it’s crazy. They don’t give me any time to recover. Volk didn’t need it; he was moving up from XNUMX pounds. That was a bad day. I didn’t recover much,” said the champion.

CHAMPION-VS-CHAMPION

Makhachev and Volkanovski have done their jobs on the scale in making weight for Saturday's #UFC284 superfight in Perth. Let's go!

Full story: https://t.co/bnyRKyj3at pic.twitter.com/VhTgudrRcH

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 10, 2023

Makhachev won the rematch by knockout

Despite the difficulty, the Russian managed to come away with the victory. On that occasion, he defeated Volkanovski by unanimous decision in his rival's home ground. Even so, the triumph was not enough to guarantee him the first place in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, something that would only be achieved after he defeated the Australian again, this time by technical knockout in the first round.

“I knew I had to put an end to that old doubt (about the judges’ decision) because a lot of people were talking about the first fight. I was very happy,” recalled the fighter.

Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC