Daniel Cormier thinks the UFC should not pursue an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski.

In their superfight at UFC 284, Makhachev and Volkanovski had one of the best fights of the year, with Makhachev winning a competitive unanimous decision over Volkanovski to retain his lightweight title. Volkanovski started calling for a match almost immediately, posting to YouTube a clip showing Makhachev saying he would run it again. And the featherweight champion still seems set on pursuing the rematch, posting yet another callout to his social media on Wednesday.

But despite all of Volkanovski’s efforts, UFC commentator, and Makahchev’s teammate, Daniel Cormier thinks it’s too soon to run things back for the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world, because they both have divisions to tend to.

“Islam’s got work to do in his own weight class and so does Alexander Volkanovski,” Cormier said on ESPN. “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.

“In reality, we have two divisions that need the champions back in order to give us a little clarity.” When, in reality, we have two divisions that need the champions back in order to give us a little clarity.”

Featherweight is one of UFC’s most deep divisions. There are many other competitors vying to be the champion of this title. But Volkanovski previously made his position on this clear, telling Ariel Helwani that Rodriguez can hold onto the interim belt for now, while he continues to pursue lightweight endeavors.

“He can hold that flag until I’m there…” Volkanovski said. Volkanovski said, “There is no reason this should happen now. Especially since that’s not the way interim works.” Otherwise I would have just made them fight for No. 1 contender.”

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

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FINAL THOUGHTS

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EXIT POLL

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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/23/23611650/daniel-cormier-says-islam-makhachev-alexander-volkanovski-have-work-to-do-before-immediate-rematch?rand=96749