Islam Makhachev feels like he doesn’t get a fair shot from UFC fans and analysts. He gave an interview after the rankings still have him ranked #2 in the p4p category, after his victory over Alexander Volkanovski. He went on and said, “I never expected justice and I still don’t. Because we have always seen the attitude towards us on the example of our other fighters- Ankalaev, Petr Yan”. By ‘us’, Makhachev was referencing Russian fighters as he hinted at later in the interview.

The whole discourse around his title defense match against Charles Oliveira and the possible rematch against Alexander Volkanovski would probably reinforce this notion. Despite the dominant fashion in which he won, most fans are picking Oliveira in the rematch, according to a recent poll by the UFC’s YouTube channel. But it’s not just fans who are excited for UFC 294. Sean O’Malley and Joe Rogan are also hyped for the card. But, during the JRE podcast, both men made comments that are sure to displease Makhachev.

Joe Rogan thinks Volkanovski ‘exposed’ Makhachev

In the podcast, Joe Rogan, Sean O’Malley, and coach Tim Welch got to talking about the upcoming Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira fight. O’Malley said that he would like to see Oliveira win, as it would set up a “huge trilogy”. He also posited Oliveira calling out Khabib Nurmagomedov if he wins but quickly shot down the idea.

“I would love to see Charles f*cking win [at UFC 294]. That would make for a huge trilogy. Maybe call Khabib [Nurmagomedov] out. No, no there’s no shot,” the bantamweight champion said.

This prompted Rogan to observe that ‘Volk’ had exposed some vulnerabilities in Makhachev in their fight at UFC 284. Makhachev emerged victorious via unanimous decision after the fight. Rogan, however, felt that ‘Alexander The Great’ won the fight and took exception to the Australian being knocked off the p4p throne after the close loss.

“That’s not happening. But it’s also, you kind of see vulnerability in Islam after that fight with Volkanovski. First of all, you see how good Volkanovski really is. F**king animal. He’s number one pound-for-pound. They have him not listed as pound-for-pound because he lost that fight, I think you could make a real argument that he won that fight. I think he won the fight, in my mind he won the fight.”

Now it’s up to Makhachev to change people’s mindset towards him by defeating Oliveira again in a dominant fashion. And surely the words of Rogan would’ve boosted up the 31-year-old. But is it going to be that easy?

Makhachev-Oliveira rematch set for UFC 294

Islam Makhachev will face Charles Oliveira in a rematch of their UFC 280 bout. The Dagestani had managed to defeat the Brazilian in the second round via submission. ‘Do Bronx’ would later come out with a statement saying he didn’t feel like himself in the Octagon that night. He promised fans he would do much better in their rematch.

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On October 21, in the UAE, he will have the chance to come good on that promise. And if Makhachev wins against Oliveira, he has a much-awaited rematch with Volkanovski lined up. But first, he has to defeat a determined and motivated Oliveira, who has a knack for prevailing against the odds. Who do you think will win in the Oliveira-Makhachev rematch? Let us know in the comments section below.

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