‘Incredible’: UFC world stunned by Volk’s brave 11-day rematch call

Just Alexander Volkanovski stepping up and saving the UFC on two weeks’ notice, no big deal.

The Australian featherweight superstar is receiving widespread praise after bravely deciding to take on lightweight rival Islam Makhachev, less than a fortnight before UFC 294.

It’ll be Volkanovski’s second shot at the lightweight king, and becoming a double champ, but with much less preparation than he had before their very close original fight, won by Makhachev.

UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski SUN 22nd OCT 5AM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

Charles Oliveira pulled out of the fight on Monday night (US time) with UFC boss Dana White clearly thrilled Volkanovski was willing to take the gamble to replace him.

“I can see him (Oliveira) not wanting to risk it, getting a shot like this and … the Volkanovski crew, him and Israel (Adesanya), these guys are studs, man.

“He jumped in and accepts the fight.

“One phone call.

“And I would’ve announced it hours ago except I was waiting for the guys in Abu Dhabi to wake up so I could let them know before we reported it.

“But these guys that surround these guys down in Brazil, they can’t keep their f…ing mouths shut, you know.

“This came out of Oliveira’s camp apparently. Which is part of the f…ing business.

“I would’ve liked to talk to the powers that be in Abu Dhabi before it got announced but people can’t keep their mouths shut for whatever f…ing reason.

“So here we are.”

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski celebrates after defeating interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez during UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena on July 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Volkanovski retained his title with a third-round TKO. (Photo by Steve Marcus / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP

Long-time UFC reporter Ariel Helwani called the move from Volkanovski “incredible”.

“Been a while since we had a crazy PPV card shakeup like this at the (close to) 11th hour,” he tweeted.

“Feel for Oliveira. Horrible luck. But Islam x Volk 2 is an incredible alternative for the UFC. Credit to both men for accepting on such short notice.

“And now we wait on the fate of Chimaev x Costa. UFC has definitely reached out to potential replacements but the fate of the fight hasn’t been determined just yet. Should be soon, though.”