Islam Makhachev thinks Alexander Volkanovski should rest after UFC 294 – not push for January return

Alexander Volkanovski is eagerly anticipating his return to the octagon and desires to maintain an active schedule. Nevertheless, Islam Makhachev doesn’t share the same sentiments.

Makhachev and Volkanovski clashed for the second time on Saturday as the headline event of UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) impressively ended the fight in the first round by knocking out Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) with a devastating head kick.

Following the fight, Volkanovski admitted to struggling mentally due to a lack of activity, which influenced his decision to accept the rematch on short notice. The featherweight champion also expressed his desire to defend his belt against undefeated contender Ilia Topuria in January.

However, Makhachev disagrees with this plan.

“He has to (take a break),” Makhachev told reporters at the UFC 294 post-fight press conference. “He has a big cut on his eye. He (took) a very good kick. That’s why he has to take some rest – 100 percent.

“If he’s smart, if his team is smart, he has to take a couple of months rest because this is not like I choked him or body kick. This was a head kick. Not just his coach, but his doctor and his team have to make (that) decision.”

Regarding Makhachev’s finishing move, the Dagestani fighter always had confidence in his ability to knock someone out with a head kick, and he believed Volkanovski was a prime candidate for that technique.

“My coach always said, ‘Hey, you have a good head kick,’” Makhachev said. “I always try to land that kick when I fight. In my mind, I always think, ‘When is this kick going to land?’ I know I kick very well and for the opponent like Volkanovski who’s a little bit short, the best plan was to land some kick. When you have a short opponent, it’s easy to land.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie