The official UFC social channels removed comments from Russian MMA fighter Islam Makhachev in response to his support for Palestine after defeating Australian Alex Volkanovski. This development was reported by Championship.
In the aftermath of the bout, Makhachev did not celebrate the victory. He spoke about world events, saying that people in Palestine and the Gaza Strip have their support, and urged restraint in the moment. The remarks were then trimmed from UFC social posts, prompting discussion about the clip and what was shared with fans. These notes illustrate how athletes’ statements can intersect with a global audience and sometimes become part of the social narrative surrounding a high-profile win. (Championship)
On October 21, at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev faced Volkanovski and quickly asserted himself with a first-round knockout to defend his belt for the second time. The win pushed his professional record to 25 wins and only one loss, underscoring his dominance in the lightweight division and his continued ascent in mixed martial arts. (Championship)
Earlier, on February 12, 2023, Makhachev defeated Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five rounds at UFC 284 in Perth. That victory marked his first title defense and added a notable chapter to their ongoing rivalry, reinforcing Makhachev’s standing at the top tier of the sport. (Championship)
During the Abu Dhabi event, the originally scheduled opponent was Brazilian Charles Oliveira. Illness or injury prevented Oliveira from competing, altering the fight line-up and paving the way for Makhachev to meet Volkanovski in a pivotal title matchup that fans had anticipated for months. (Championship)
In related remarks, Makhachev has previously commented on his personal approach to money and the implications it has for his career in MMA. Those comments have been part of a broader conversation about discipline, focus, and the responsibilities that come with success in professional fighting. (Championship)