Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 could very well be next, says Chael Sonnen
Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski were involved in one of the most high-level and technical fights in MMA history at UFC 284 several weeks ago. Makhachev won the bout via a unanimous decision and successfully defended his lightweight title, but talks of a rematch were immediately welcomed by both men.
However, Yair Rodriguez won the interim featherweight title at UFC 284, and some believe that Volkanovski should move back down to 145 pounds to defend his title. Daniel Cormier recently stated that a rematch between Makhachev and 'The Great' would hold up both divisions. But according to Chael Sonnen, the possibility of a rematch should not be ruled out.
Sonnen pointed out that the rematch between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, scheduled for UFC 287, was not requested at length by any members of the MMA universe. Yet the UFC happily organized it.
'The American Gangster' recently uploaded a video to his YouTube channel discussing an Islam Makhachev-Alexander Volkanovski rematch. He said this:
"No decisions have been made yet. And nobody, not the participants, the media, the managers, the moms, the girlfriends, societies - nobody asked to see Pereira vs. Adesanya again. But that's going to be a big night of business. I just bring you that because there's still opportunity for Islam vs. Volkanovski. A couple of things have to fixed, a couple of things have to be corrected. But that fight will happen again."
Watch the video below from 4:50:
Chael Sonnen's assessment of the lack of interest in the Pereira vs. Adesanya rematch isn't entirely accurate.
Following Pereira's victory at UFC 281, UFC president Dana White and 'The Last Stylebender' stated that a rematch would be likely during the post-fight press conference.
Interest in a rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski has lingered since UFC 284, and Sonnen believes a second fight is likely.
Alexander Volkanovski is eager to face either Islam Makhachev or Yair Rodriguez next
Alexander Volkanovski could get a second opportunity to be crowned a two-division UFC champion, but 'The Great' is not banking on it.
Volkanovski has welcomed a fight with Yair Rodriguez, who won the interim featherweight title at UFC 284, if he cannot face Islam Makhachev in a rematch.
Rodriguez is eager to face 'The Great' in Mexico City in September, however, the featherweight champion wants to fight sooner than that.
Volkanovski recently released a video on YouTube discussing his next fight and said this:
"It depends, like I'm ready to go. When's [Yair] ready to go? The rematch [against Makhachev] is there. Can [Makhachev] fight straight away? 'Cause I want to fight soon... Why don't we headline International Fight Week, Yair?"
Watch the video below: