5 reasons why the UFC shouldn’t book an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski

While UFC fans are currently occupied with conversations regarding the greatness of Jon Jones due to his triumphant octagon return at UFC 285, another story has also been at the forefront of MMA. The man who 'Bones' recently dethroned as the sport's P4P best fighter fought in the prior PPV event.

Alexander Volkanovski mounted a valiant effort against Dagestani phenom Islam Makhachev. Unfortunately, the Australian great didn't do enough in the eyes of the judges to warrant a win. Thus, his foe retained his lightweight throne. However, in the court of public opinion, Volkanovski's case for a win was greater.

Many felt that he did enough to be crowned the victor of UFC 284's headline bout. Talk of an immediate rematch has now become commonplace. While the clash between Makhachev and Volkanovski was one of the best fights in recent memory, an immediate rematch would be ill-advised. Here are five reasons why.

#5. It would hold up both of their divisions

Despite Alexander Volkanovski's past claims that he needs to see someone deserving emerge from the current crop of UFC featherweights, there has never been a shortage of title contenders in the promotion's 145 lbs weight class. Similarly, the lightweight division is arguably the deepest of its kind in the UFC.

Dana White is against an immediate Islam Makhachev vs. Alex Volkanovski rematch 🙅‍♂️

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Given 'The Great's' suggestion that he face Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi, a potential rematch could take place closer to the end of the year after Ramadan. This would leave the fighters in their divisions without a clear direction if their two champions are preoccupied. This is especially true for the featherweight division.

Instead of defending his title, Volkanovski opted to challenge Makhachev for the 155 lbs throne at UFC 284. If he does so again in an immediate rematch, it would be two fights now that the 145 lbs kingpin hasn't defended his title.

#4. Yair Rodriguez is waiting for Alexander Volkanovski

While Alexander Volkanovski is chasing the greatness of achieving the status of a simultaneous two-division champion in the UFC, he must first answer Yair Rodriguez's challenge. The Mexican striking dynamo is the promotion's interim featherweight champion.

YAIR RODRIGUEZ IS THE INTERIM FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION 🏆 #UFC284 https://t.co/rOktSz9k3o

Thus, his very existence challenges Volkanovski's claim to the divisional throne. The Australian great must return to 145 lbs and unify the two titles to leave no doubt in anyone's mind that it is his division to rule. It is the duty of every reigning champion to face the challenge posed by an interim champion.

Only after the current featherweight kingpin defeats Yair Rodriguez, if he can, should the UFC give him the green light to face Islam Makhachev in a rematch.

#3. Islam Makhachev must defend his title against a legitimate lightweight

Two years ago, Israel Adesanya faced Jan Błachowicz in a failed bid to become a two-division UFC champion himself. It was a precursor to the Nigerian's City Kickboxing teammate failing to dethrone Islam Makhachev to achieve champ-champ status himself.

Dustin Poirier threw his name in the hat for Islam Makhachev's next title defense 💪

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While the Polish power-puncher was victorious against 'The Last Stylebender', he has since been criticized as a champion after the loss he suffered to Glover Teixeira. Many have decried him for only successfully defending his title against a middleweight. A similar criticism could be launched at Makhachev.

Thus far, his only successful title defense has been against a featherweight. If he doesn't defend his title against a legitimate lightweight contender, an immediate rematch with Volkanovski will be met with criticism from the promotion's 155'ers.

#2. A rematch will generate more hype if they both defend their titles before fighting again

Dominance is one of the things that sells matchups. It isn't every day that fans are treated to bouts between two extremely dominant fighters who are eager to face each other. This was part of the intrigue between the fabled matchup between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.

🚨| Dana White has said that he expects Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev to defend their belts one more time before he books their rematch.
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It was also part of what sold the rematch between Georges St-Pierre and B.J. Penn at UFC 94. Both Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev should first defend their titles before facing each other in a rematch. If the two men dominate their opponents as expected, a rematch will be even more highly anticipated.

This would be especially true if they both showcase improvements in their subsequent bouts prior to a possible rematch. A reminder of why they are two of the most dominant fighters in MMA will generate more hype for the rematch.

#1. It gives both fighters ample time to gameplan

City Kickboxing and the American Kickboxing Academy are renowned for their ability to gameplan around a specific opponent. Alexander Volkanovski was prepared to perfection for his trilogy bout against Max Holloway. Similarly, 'The Great' was well-drilled for Islam Makhachev's grappling transitions.

Meanwhile, AKA has demonstrated its gameplanning smarts several times. Khabib Nurmagomedov, for example, was very well-prepared for his bout against Conor McGregor. The Irishman doesn't have a dedicated jab. Instead, he extends his lead hand in the hope that his opponent will slap it away.

Alexander Volkanovski has called for a rematch against Islam Makhachev following their recent #UFC284 encounter.

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This typically informs the Irishman of his foe's range. Nurmagomedov, however, never once touched his foe's hand, which is part of why McGregor struggled to land his vaunted straight left in their bout. Islam Makhachev benefits from the same coaching expertise.

In his bout with Volkanovski, Makhachev was ready with counterpunches to punish his foe for shifting into range. A rematch between the pair would be an example of high-level mixed martial arts. Giving them enough time to prepare will make the fight even better.