Islam Makhachev, the UFC’s Russian lightweight champion, spoke out in support of Palestine and the Gaza Strip following his victory over Alex Volkanovski. He emphasized that his win should not be celebrated in light of ongoing global events and urged an end to the suffering, declaring that Palestine and the Gaza Strip have his solidarity.
At UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on October 21, Makhachev secured a first round knockout to retain his title, defeating the Australian challenger Alex Volkanovski in the main event. This win marked his second successful title defense and continued his undefeated mindset in the octagon under his banner.
Earlier, on February 12, 2023, Makhachev earned a unanimous decision over Volkanovski in Perth, Australia, a five round contest that solidified his status as one of the division’s premier fighters. That victory represented his 24th win against a single defeat in his professional career and stood as his first title defense for many observers.
During the Abu Dhabi event, Makhachev was initially slated to face Charles Oliveira. Oliveira was unable to participate owing to an injury, reshaping the bout lineup for the night.
In a separate highlight from UFC 294, Khamzat Chimaev defeated Kamaru Usman, adding another notable result to the card and contributing to a memorable event for fans worldwide.