Islam Makhachev vows to sign contract to fight Alexander Volkanovski the moment he "receives the paper"

Islam Makhachev recently responded to a tweet by Alexander Volkanovski confirming his intentions to fight him at UFC 284.

Referring to their potential matchup at UFC 284 in Australia, Volkanovski tweeted out asking Makhachev if he was a man of his word and to "make it happen."

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

The Dagestani fighter responded to the tweet stating that he intends to sign the contract as soon as he receives it. He also teased Volkanovski about his No.1 pound-for-pound spot.

The second I receive the paper, I will sign it, don’t worry ✏️ enjoy your P4P first spot for now 😉 twitter.com/alexvolkanovsk…

He also taunted the featherweight champion by saying that 'The Great' was too small to compete against him.

@alexvolkanovski just make sure your people convince UFC that you can compete with me. From what I heard, they think you too small 👀

Islam Makhachev believes that he can win against Volkanovski due to 'The Great' being a smaller fighter. During the UFC 280 octagon interview, Makhachev referred to Volkanovski as a "small guy." While speaking to Megan Olivi, Makhachev stated:

"This guy is so small, he's not on my level. I respect him, he's a great champion but I'm at a different level."

It seems very likely that the two champions will face each other at UFC 284, with the lightweight belt as well as the P4P number one spot on the line. It remains to be seen when the fight will be officially announced by the UFC, considering both fighters' willingness to sign the contract.

Islam Makhachev does not see the winner of Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler getting the title shot

In a post-fight interview, Islam Makhachev stated that he does not think either Dustin Poirier or Michael Chandler should get the chance to fight for the lightweight belt:

“I don’t think either of them will get an immediate title shot...how many times did Poirier fight for the belt? Chandler has fought just four times in the organization and lost two of them. So, I don’t think Chandler deserves a title shot even if he wins.”

Even when asked about a potential matchup against Beniel Dariush, the Dagestani fighter stated that he thinks Volkanovski is the most interesting challenge for him and that it's always exciting when two champions face each other. He also praised the Australian.

"He is on a great winning streak and has beaten some solid opposition. He deserves a title shot, too, but I’ve never picked opponents."

For now, it seems that the new lightweight champion is focused on his potential matchup against Alexander Volkanovski, who seems equally intent on facing the 31-year-old in a champion vs. champion bout.