Alexander Volkanovski reveals his remarkable weight loss journey, shedding 26.5lbs in just 11 days before his highly-anticipated UFC lightweight title rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. This captivating showdown will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, October 21, marking their second confrontation since Makhachev defeated Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February to claim the championship belt.
Volkanovski, a 35-year-old Australian fighter, received the surprise news of his rematch with Makhachev a mere two weeks ago after Charles Oliveira, Makhachev’s original opponent, withdrew due to injury. Consequently, Volkanovski faced the challenge of rapidly dropping weight in order to meet the necessary requirements for the fight, all within a 12-day notice period.
Reflecting on this intense weight-cutting process, Volkanovski shared with TNT Sports, “Obviously I was retaining a lot of water. I was on a brief vacation with my family, indulging in the sun, savoring delicious meals, and enjoying a few drinks.”
However, upon noticing his increased weight, Volkanovski felt dissatisfied and took the initiative to shed a few extra pounds before receiving the official call for the rematch. “You have to shed some kilos, but my body instinctively reacted. I made a mental switch, and the weight swiftly disappeared; my body snapped into action,” he added.
During the weigh-in on Friday, Volkanovski recorded a weight of 154.5lb, while Makhachev registered at 155lb.
Although some may perceive the short preparation time as easing the pressure on Volkanovski, he adamantly disagrees. During his press conference, he expressed, “Many people believe it’s a no-lose situation, and I’m exhausted with hearing that phrase. My legacy is at stake. I crave this rematch, this chance to secure the lightweight title. I require this victory, and now I must achieve it within a paltry 12 days’ notice.”
Volkanovski, currently the UFC featherweight champion, has boldly moved up in weight class for these epic clashes with Makhachev. The fight promises to be an enthralling battle between two of the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighters, as Makhachev has emerged victorious in his last 12 bouts, including their previous encounter earlier this year.
Volkanovski aims to become the fifth simultaneous double champion in UFC history, following in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo.
Meanwhile, in the co-headline event of UFC 294, fans can anticipate the exhilarating middleweight bout between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev.
How to watch
UFC 294 will unfold on Saturday, October 21, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The preliminary card kicks off at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the main card starting at 2 p.m. ET. Volkanovski vs. Makhachev, the headline fight, is expected to commence a few hours later.
In the US, fans can watch the event on ESPN+, while TNT Sports will broadcast the fight in the UK.
To stay updated with more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at CNN.com.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72931262/usa_today_21973134.0.jpg "Stay Updated on Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Portal Movements for 2023-2024 Season")
