The corresponding video appeared on social media.
Two weeks earlier, White told reporters that he was proud of the Russian fighter, who agreed on short notice to accept a fight with Alexander Volkanovski, even though he spent his entire training camp preparing for a bout with the injured Charles Oliveira.
Specifically, the UFC executive cited the Russian’s phrasing, which he promised to post at the UFC Apex Arena and the UFC Institute.
“I’m going to read you a quote from Islam so you understand what we’re talking about. He’s offered a fight with Wolf on short notice and he says, ‘What does this title represent? It means you’re the best in the world, and if you’re the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who they put up against you. What am I supposed to say? No? Never! Let’s do it!”
“I swear to God – I haven’t checked it out yet, but yesterday I contacted the guys on my team and gave them the assignment to sing the Islam quote at the UFC Apex arena and at the UFC Institute
A week after the UFC chief’s announcement, Islam Makhachev made a successful defense of his lightweight championship belt, finishing Alex Volkanovski by TKO in the first round at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. The Russian’s next opponent will likely be Charles Oliveira, whom he could face in March 2024.