While Makhachev never wavered in his belief that his championship moment would come throughout his climb to winning the title, achieving that dream was still a special moment for the usually stoic Russian fighter, but it didn’t pull his focus away from competing and continuing to chase down massive achievements.
Before he even stepped out of the Octagon in Abu Dhabi, the new lightweight champion was setting up his next fight, calling for a bout with Volkanovski in Australia. The featherweight champ bounded into the cage, congratulated Makhachev on his victory, and accepted his challenge, and this weekend, they face off in the UFC 284 main event.
How To Watch UFC 284: Makhachev vs Volkanovski In Your Country
Throughout his ascent to the top of the lightweight division, Makhachev has increasingly shown more of a playful confidence than his long-time mentor, training partner, and coach, former champ Khabib Nurmagomedov. Where Khabib said everything in a matter-of-fact manner — both outside and inside the cage — Makhachev is a little more cheeky, offering up comments with a hint of a smile that lets you know he’s having a bit of fun.
“Doesn’t matter where we fight: Abu Dhabi, Australia, or (United States) — when the cage is closed, nobody can help him,” he said when asked about Volkanovski having home-field advantage this weekend.