Alexander Volkanovski Talks Decision To Fight Islam Makhachev On 11 Days Notice

Alex Volkanovski was actually holding his lovable new child Reign when he acquired the decision — Charles Oliveira was out and Islam Makhachev wanted an opponent — and the 145 lb. champ nearly immediately knew it was time for daddy to go to work!

Volkanovski joined Michael Babcock on the “TMZ Sports” TV present (airs day by day on FS1) on Wednesday … the place Alex “The Great” talked in regards to the cellphone name he obtained late final week from his supervisor.

“I think I might’ve had Reign, my newest addition to my family, my newborn Reign,” Alex mentioned … “I might’ve been holding her, and [my manager] gets on the phone and says, ‘Mate, you wouldn’t believe it.’ And I’m like, ‘What’s up?’ Did not cross my mind one bit. I’m thinking it’s for something else. He goes, ‘It’s looking like Charles isn’t going to make it and they need someone.'”

Volkanovski was clearly shocked … and after conferring along with his coach, Joe Lopez, and spouse Emma, the choice was clear — we have a struggle in lower than two weeks, and it is taking place midway the world over.

In fact, Makhachev was initially scheduled to struggle Oliveira — a rematch of UFC 280 (Islam gained by 2nd spherical submission).

In some methods, Volkanovski, who misplaced by unanimous choice to Islam in February (though many individuals suppose he truly gained), believes the shortage of a coaching camp may truly be useful.

“I am feeling good. I am excited. That is one factor that I’ve taken out of all this entire factor, clearly, it is loopy. However man, it is gonna be enjoyable. I do not suppose I’ve ever been this excited for a struggle.

“Obviously you get excited, but you go through camp, and camp can be exhausting. Mentally and physically exhausting thinking about the fight the whole time. Now I don’t have time for that. As soon as I heard about it I had a smile on my face and it hasn’t gone away even until now.”