In a shocking turn of events, Alexander Volkanovski will rematch Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. This, of course, was virtually unthinkable three days ago. Makhachev was scheduled to rematch former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at the event in Abu Dhabi on October 21.

However, an injury during practice compelled ‘Do Bronx’ to pull out. And ‘Alexander the Great,’ unexpectedly agreed to replace the Brazilian on short notice. This would seemingly put the former rugby player at another inherent disadvantage (along with him moving up a weight class). But ‘Volk’ disagrees and has another take on the affair, which compelled fans to call him out.

Alexander Volkanovski says there is no pressure on him for the Makhachev rematch

Alexander Volkanovski, after the announcement that he would be fighting Makhachev at UFC 294, sounded confident that he would be able to win. Although he did acknowledge that he would have been better off with a full training camp, ‘Volk’ felt that if anyone could defeat Makhachev on such short notice, it would be him. He added that he was not under any pressure, unlike his upcoming Dagestani opponent.

“Let’s go out and finish this guy. No pressure on me, baby. No pressure at all. All the pressure’s on him. I’m coming off the couch. You better do something about it,” the reigning featherweight champion told fans on his official YouTube channel.

Fans react to ‘Volk’ claiming there is no pressure on him

Fans felt like Volkanovski was already making excuses and took to the internet to make their thoughts known. Here are some comments they wrote on Instagram.

One fan thought the Aussie was making excuses:

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“Volk is already making excuses”

Another agreed:

“Bro is warming up with excuses”

One user felt Volkanovski was lying about coming off the couch and had been training:

“Volk been training for months, talking bout coming off the couch… Highly doubt that“

Also Read: Moments After Pulling Out of UFC 294, Charles Oliveira Breaks Silence and Confesses on Injury as Dana White Ropes In Alexander Volkanovski Against Islam Makhachev

Another said that this might be the last shot ‘Volk’ might get at Makhachev:

“Actually all the pressure is on Volk because it’s his last chance at the title.”

Another thought the featherweight champion is setting up excuses in advance if he lost:

“if he loses .. your guys already know what is coming”

Another agreed with the sentiment:

“The excuses have already started”

One fan felt the Dagestani could submit the Aussie at any point in the fight:

“Islam via submission whenever he wants”

It is safe to say that no matter who wins their main event title bout at UFC 294, fans are the real winners. The UFC replaced a much anticipated main event bout with an even more anticipated main event bout. Perhaps for the first time in its history. And most of the credit goes to Volkanovski, who has another chance at being double champ and among the greatest mixed martial artists ever.

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