Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Russian lightweight champion Islam Makhachev spoke out in support of Palestine and the Gaza Strip following his fight with Alex Volkanovski.
“I do not celebrate this victory because of the situation in the world. Stop what is happening! Palestine, we are with you! Gaza Strip, we are with you! Don’t! — Makhachev said after the fight.
On October 21, Makhachev won an early victory over the Australian representative Alex Volkanovski in the main fight of the evening at the UFC 294 tournament in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The Russian player defeated his opponent by knockout in the first round and defended his title for the second time.
On February 12, 2023, Makhachev defeated Alex Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five rounds at the UFC-284 tournament in Perth (Australia). For the Russian, this victory was the 24th victory with a single loss in his professional career. This is Makhachev’s first title defense.
At the tournament in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev was initially supposed to fight Charles Oliveira, but could not participate due to injury.
Previously Khamzat Chimaev loser Kamaru Usman at UFC 294.