UFC champion and surging prospect gush over lesser seen side of Islam Makhachev's personality
Many UFC fighters and fans are starting to see another side of Islam Makhachev's personality in the leadup to his superfight with Alexander Volkanovski.
Reigning UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and surging prospect Terrance McKinney weighed in on the lightweight champion opening up more during interviews and his other fight week obligations. They tweeted that he has come across as a likable fighter in the promotion.
McKinney wrote:
"Islam is low key funny af and very likeable"
Sterling quoted the tweet and echoed those sentiments regarding Makhachev. He mentioned that it has been nice to see this side of the UFC lightweight come out more, writing:
"He’s definitely a funny guy. I’m glad he’s showing that side of him more"
He’s definitely a funny guy. I’m glad he’s showing that side of him more twitter.com/twrecks155/sta…
Fans also commented on the tweet and mentioned that the lightweight champion has come across very well, writing:
"I have been thinking the same thing with all this media ...he seems like a top bloke" [@Bottrell1973 - Twitter]
@funkmasterMMA I have been thinking the same thing with all this media ...he seems like a top bloke👍
"Always has I noticed, was bit shy for a while but had that dry humour just was behind khabibs shadow for so long, now people are seein it. I agree with @ChaelSonnen he's actually a great heel and doesn't know it lol." [@wookieeMD - Twitter]
@funkmasterMMA Always has I noticed, was bit shy for a while but had that dry humour just was behind khabibs shadow for so long, now people are seein it. I agree with @ChaelSonnen he's actually a great heel and doesn't know it lol.
The Dagestani will look to make his first successful title defense against 'Volk' tonight at UFC 284 and, at the same time, move into the No.1 spot in the promotion's pound-for-pound rankings.
Footage released of Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski's conversation during their face-off
#UFC284 https://t.co/7rvtQoeM2C
Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski will look to prove who the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world is when they compete in their superfight.
During the UFC 284 face-offs, they had a pleasant and cordial conversation as they sized each other up. During the exchange, 'Volk' asked the lightweight champion about his weight and how he's feeling ahead of the fight.
Volkanovski asked:
"Ready?...How's the weight?...Good?"
The Dagestani responded, saying:
"I'm very excited...Very good [weight]...How's your weight?"
Despite the banter about the featherweight champion's height, there is clearly no animosity between the two and mutual respect they share for one another. It will be interesting to see what transpires and whether there will be an immediate rematch should Volkanovski become the new lightweight champion.