This, talking to journalists near the headquarters of the organization in Las Vegas, said the head of the strongest league of the world, Dana White.
“I keep talking about Islam Makhachev – when the opportunity comes and you’re a real guy, you just go out there and take the fight,” the head of the organization said. “I swear to God – I haven’t checked it out yet, but yesterday I contacted the guys on my team and gave them the task of singing Islam’s quote at the UFC Apex arena and at the UFC Institute”
A day earlier, White said he was proud of Makhachev, who agreed on short notice to take the fight with Volkanovski even though he spent the entire training camp preparing for the fight with the injured Charles Oliveira.
In particular, the UFC executive cited the Russian’s words, which were so ingrained in his heart.
“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!”
As a reminder, Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight title he owns in the upcoming bout, which headlines UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21.