UFC
Dana White explains why there won’t be an immediate Volkanovski-Makhachev rematch
The mega bout between both champions was probably even better than what many fans expected, but the UFC president has ruled out an immediate rematch. Why?
If MMA fans were asked about what was the best fight they have watched so far this year, many of them would probably pick the ‘war’ between featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight king Islam Makhachev in Perth last February.
The bigger and stronger Makhachev came out on top via decision, but many felt The Great had done enough to grind out the win after a magnificent five round, where the Australian champion took the Dagestani to the floor for a ground-and-pound final attack.
Makhachev’s grappling and Volkanovski’s striking were expected to be the two difference makers in the clash and in the end, they canceled each other out. Khabib Numagomedov’s friend proved his stand-up game is underrated and Volk showed that he has enormously improved his ground game.
Both men, who showed respect for each other after the match, agreed to a potential rematch in Abu Dhabi, and while many thought it would be the likeliest possibility, UFC president Dana White announced there wouldn’t be an immediate rematch.
Why Dana White rules out an immediate rematch?
While the UFC and MMA community wants to see Makhachev and Volkanovski go at it again, White prefers to have an ace up his sleeve.
Why? Very simple, in the co-main event, the Mexican Yair Rodríguez, one of the most spectacular fighters in the whole promotion, put on a show against the rock-solid Josh Emmett, defeating the American in great fashion and winning the featherweight interim belt.
“When the entire world is arguing over who won, that’s a super fight and it delivers right? The only thing that could possibly be better than that is the guy who’s fighting for the interim title comes out looking incredible, too. So, now you got Yair versus Volkanovski”, he said.
“We’ll see what happens with Islam and where he ends up fighting next. You have to do Yair [next]. I mean, [Yair] came out and absolutely dominated a stud [in Josh Emmett] that night, and then you have the rematch after they both fight again. You could not have a better result”, White added.
From a financial point of view, it could be a smart play by White, as Rodríguez certainly looked great and is one of the young stars of the promotion. If Volkanovski manages to beat him, and Makhachev emerges victorious against his next opponent, it will possibly make a rematch even more attractive.