The legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov commented on the change of opponent for Makhachev. Let them bring King Kong, he believes in the abilities of his charge

This weekend, MMA fans can look forward to another numbered UFC 294 tournament in Abu Dhabi. Both main events have received their unexpected changes, so in the title fight for the lightweight king, Islam Makhachev will defend against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch from earlier in the year. Khabib Nurmagomedov commented on the surprising change of opponent for his charge and definitely believes in the abilities of the Dagestani champion.

The UFC responded well to the loss of key fighters for the Abu Dhabi gala

It looked like a cursed gala, however, mixed martial arts fans will be in for a treat. The UFC proved once again that it is the rightful number one MMA organization by bringing in more than adequate replacements for the injured stars.

Coming up this weekend, MMA fans will be treated to the numbered UFC 294 tournament in Abu Dhabi. One of the most anticipated galas of the year has reached a serious juncture just days before breaking out.

First, Brazilian challenger Charles Oliveira pulled out of the main title fight for the lightweight championship belt after suffering a laceration above his eyebrow during a sparring session. Then, just a few days later, another Brazilian, Paulo Costa, announced that he had to undergo elbow surgery due to a staph infection and he too was out of the fight.

In both cases, however, it only took a few hours and UFC management was quick to get a replacement, which generated more or less equal excitement. Costa was replaced in his fight with Chimaev by former longtime welterweight ruler Kamaru Usman.

Oliveira will be replaced by Alexander Volkanovski in the championship title fight

Makhachev will then challenge featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a lightweight title fight. The two men have already clashed during February’s UFC 284. In the end, it made for a great five-round spectacle, with Makhachev’s arm raised at the end.

But the featherweight champion gave the hitherto dominant Dagestani a lot of trouble and many fans even attributed the victory to the Australian. He took the fight on short notice just a few days before the fight, but he is definitely confident about Makhachev.

“I believe I’m going to finish him this time,” Volkanovski said during an interview on the MMA Hour. “I think you’re going to see probably one of the most dangerous versions of me you’ve ever seen,” he enticed fans.

Khabib is clear on the winner of Makhachev vs. Volkanovski

And how does one of the Dagestani’s coaches, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, feel about the change of opponent just a few days before the gala? ” Islam is the champion, so if someone meets the weight limit and the UFC management says it’s a suitable opponent, we’ll just go for it,” Khabib said.

“They can bring in King Kong! If he makes the weight, we’ll take him. It doesn’t matter and nothing will change. If it’s Volkanovski, Oliveira, Poirier or Gaethje? What difference does it make,” he wasn’t looking for excuses.

“The new opponent is simply Volkanovski. The first fight was very interesting, it was a great fight. But everyone knows we won by unanimous decision. It wasn’t even close to being close. Volkanovski gave a good performance, but he lost. Islam is ready,” the undefeated UFC lightweight legend added confidently.

So we definitely have something to look forward to. Volkanovski will not only have the disadvantage of not having attended a full training camp. But Makhachev has additionally confirmed that Khabib will be back in his corner and will be supporting him from close range.

Source: UFC, MMA Hour, Twitter/X