Daniel Cormier Explains Why He’s Against Immediate Makhachev-Volk Rematch

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Daniel Cormier, Islam Makhachev, Alex Volkanovski

Daniel Cormier doesn’t support the idea of an immediate rematch between UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski.

Makhachev put his lightweight title on the line against Volkanovski at UFC 284, where he won by a closely contested decision after being pushed to his absolute limit. The Dagestani was also on the verge of being finished late in the fifth round after the Aussie dropped his opponent with a crushing right hand and followed him to the ground. Despite a tough outing, the Russian managed to win by unanimous decision, but after rewatching the fight, the UFC featherweight champion said that he won three rounds out of the five, and deserves an immediate rematch.

Daniel Cormier On Makhachev vs Volk 2

Volkanovski is also ready to go to the United Arab Emirates, a home away from home for Team Makhachev, to challenge the champion once again. Speaking on his DC & RC show on ESPN (as transcribed by MMA Junkie) however, Cormier said that it’s a bad idea.

“Islam’s got work to do in his own weight class and so does Alexander Volkanovski,” Cormier said. “Volkanovski owes it to Yair Rodriguez to go and give him an opportunity to try to become the undisputed champion of the world.

“And I don’t know if it’s fair to Beneil Dariush if he beats Charles Oliveira to not get his chance to fight for the lightweight championship of the world. This is the danger in super fights: You get a close super fight, [and] people are clamouring to see it again. When, in reality, we have two divisions that need the champions back in order to really give us a little clarity.”

Do you agree with Daniel Cormier?