UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev spoke on a recent podcast, weighing his willingness to face Australian challenger Alexander Volkanovski again. He emphasized his confidence in dominant performances, noting that a rematch could come if fans crave it and the results of the fights align. The champion suggested that revenge could be on the table if the public desires it, expressing openness to revisiting the rivalry under the right circumstances.
On February 12, Makhachev secured a unanimous decision over Volkanovski after five rounds in Perth, Australia, at UFC 284. The victory marked a significant milestone for the Russian athlete, who defended the lightweight title for the first time and closed Volkanovski’s challenge in that encounter. Following the bout, both fighters signaled an immediate rematch would be worth pursuing should opportunities arise.
That win added to Makhachev’s growing list of high-profile performances, reinforcing his status in the lightweight division and fueling discussion about potential future matchups. The Ukrainian-born? No matter—Radical clarity on his career trajectory began to emerge as the schedule shifted to what could be a trilogy-like buildup with Volkanovski. The Australian challenger, known for his versatility and grit, remained a central figure in discussions about who could claim the throne by dethroning the Russian champion.
Earlier in the calendar, Makhachev faced Brazil’s Charles Oliveira in a high-stakes title bout at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. He claimed the victory by leveraging a second-round grip that showcased his grappling acuity and control, cementing his long-standing reputation as a top lightweight strategist. The result reinforced the notion that Makhachev’s championship run was built on relentless pressure and tactical outfighting rather than sheer power alone.
There has also been talk about the possibility of Makhachev competing at a different weight class at some point in his career. While the dialogue around a move up or down remains exploratory, the focus for now centers on maintaining championship-caliber performance in the division where he has forged his legacy. Fans and analysts alike watch closely to see whether future opportunities might broaden his path or sharpen it further in pursuit of more titles and memorable fights.