In a surprising turn of events, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski are gearing up for a rematch at UFC 294. This short-notice fight became a reality after Charles Oliveira, initially scheduled to face Makhachev, withdrew due to injury. The fight card faced further issues when Paulo Costa pulled out of his match against Khamzat Chimaev. However, Volkanovski stepped in on short notice, ready to go toe-to-toe with Makhachev once more. Just days after this monumental card shift, trash talk is already flying between the main event camps.

The pair’s initial encounter took place at UFC 284 earlier this year. It was a champion vs. champion showdown, as Volkanovski aimed to add the lightweight crown to his collection. Ahead of the fight, fans speculated whether Makhachev’s formidable grappling skills would prove too much for Volkanovski to handle. Despite those doubts, Volkanovski silenced critics by surviving Makhachev’s ground game, and delivered an impressive performance, though he ultimately lost via decision. Now, as they prepare to meet again, Volkanovski’s grappling coach, Craig Jones, offered insights into Makhachev’s ground game.

Islam Makhachev and his submission skills do not concern Alexander Volkanovski’s coach

Makhachev, the lightweight champion, was originally set to defend his title against Charles Oliveira on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, Oliveira withdrew due to a cut on his eyebrow, prompting Volkanovski, the featherweight champion, to step in. Makhachev was initially slated to face top contender Mateusz Gamrot, who was the backup for the title fight.

Volkanovski swiftly accepted the challenge, despite a mere 11 days to prepare for what could be the most significant fight of his career. While fans may focus on the drawbacks of a short training camp, the featherweight champion sees advantages in this opportunity. Volkanovski stated in an interview with ESPN, “The fact that I’m fresh, mentally and physically, is going to be unreal.

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Craig Jones is a multiple-time IBJJF world championship medalist and 2019 ADCC runner-up. He has played a pivotal role in Alexander Volkanovski’s camp as his grappling coach. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, he shared his thoughts on Makhachev and his submission skills.

He asserted, “Well, the last fight, we spent a ton of time on submission defense. Obviously, that’s a waste of time because, as we learned, Islam doesn’t know any submissions, right? He just holds onto the back for 20 minutes. For this fight, this time, we’ll probably escape from the body triangle. Again, there was no submission threat at all.”

Makhachev and Volkanovski delivered a memorable clash at UFC 284 in February, earning recognition as one of the year’s most exciting battles. And the rematch has fans excited to see how the fight will play out the 2nd time around. But the addition of another replacement fight to the card might overshadow this bout!

Kamaru Usman is ready to take on Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294

Reports have confirmed Paulo Costa’s withdrawal from UFC 294, where he was slated to face Khamzat Chimaev. However, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has stepped up to take on Chimaev, moving up to the middleweight division for this bout! UFC CEO Dana White announced this matchup via social media on Wednesday.

Usman is determined to reclaim championship glory. Having fallen short in two matchups against current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards. The first encounter concluded with a viral head-kick knockout late in the fight, while the second resulted in a decision loss for Usman. Before surrendering his title, Usman had successfully defended the welterweight championship five times.

“Hospitalized”- Paulo Costa Makes Huge Confession to Dana White as Khamzat Chimaev Takes On Kamaru Usman at UFC 294

Chimaev, who has been absent from the Octagon since UFC 279, is eager to secure his position in the new weight class. This move came after he missed weight and had to withdraw from his proposed bout with Nate Diaz at UFC 279. Instead, he faced Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout, securing a submission victory in the first round. Chimaev has already notched two wins in the middleweight division, defeating Gerald Meerschaert and John Phillips.

Do you think Volkanovski has what it takes to dethrone Makhachev, and will Kamaru Usman be successful in his new weight class? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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