Henry Cejudo explains why the UFC is yet to announce Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski: "The pound-for-pound king right now is about to get served up"

Henry Cejudo believes the UFC's delay in announcing Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev is because they want to protect 'The Great'.

Makhachev's dominant performance at UFC 280 won him the lightweight title. Following the victory and the celebrations, Volkanovski was invited into the octagon and the pair exchanged words, shook hands and took part in a staredown. The featherweight champion was in Abu Dhabi as a back-up fighter for the main event.

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Dana White all but confirmed that Makhachev's first title defense will be against Volkanovski and many believe the fight will headline UFC 284 in Perth, Australia next year.

According to 'Triple C', the delay in the UFC's official announcement of the contest is because they know Makhachev is going to dominate Volkanovski and tarnish his legacy. He stated on Michael Bisping's Believe You Me podcast:

"Right now, the UFC is protecting Alexander Volkanovski because they know Islam is about to put an a** whooping on him. It's not that Islam is stalling or Volkanovski is stalling. This dude is too big for this guy that has one style... He's going to completely overwhelm Volkanovski and take him out. The pound-for-pound king right now is about to get served up."

Catch Henry Cejudo's comments here:

Alexander Volkanovski wants to test Islam Makhachev's stand-up game as well as his wrestling

Ahead of UFC 281 this weekend, Alexander Volkanovski spoke to the media about his future. Unsurprisingly, the featherweight champion was asked about stepping up to 155lbs and challenging Islam Makhachev.

Are you a man of your word? @MAKHACHEVMMA? 🇦🇺 Let’s make it happen! ✍️ #UFC284

According to 'The Great', whilst most people are expecting a wrestling clinic from Makhachev, he is more excited about testing the Russian's stand-up game:

"I'm preparing for him to take me down. That's how I mentally prepare. I always do that, but there's so many layers before it even gets there. It's going to be hard to even get me down, and get me exactly where he wants me. Flat on my back, it's very, very hard to do. I'm very good at scrambling, and again, these short legs are very hard to hold down."

Volkanovski continued:

"People want to say he's well rounded and things like that. We'll see if he's well rounded, because I'm getting back to my feet. Let's see if his stand-up is up to what supposedly people are trying to say. Well rounded? We'll see, because it's going to be a stand-up because I know I'm getting back to my feet."

Catch Alexander Volkanovski's comments here: