UFC 294, with the headline event featuring Islam Makhachev against Alexander Volkanovski in Abu Dhabi, was a source of immense pride for Dagestan. Islam Makhachev, hailing from the mountains, once again emerged victorious over Alexander Volkanovski, solidifying his dominance at UFC 294.
While this victory brought jubilation to Dagestan, it was a night to forget for Australian fans as their hero fell short in the lightweight title fight. However, despite the loss, when he returned to Australia, he received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from his fans.
Alexander Volkanovski Receives Heartwarming Welcome in Australia After Islam Makhachev Setback
While Makhachev was the favored and celebrated fighter in the match, it’s worth noting that Volkanovski entered the fight on short notice and had to shed 26 pounds, making him a formidable force that shouldn’t be underestimated. Not to mention, he displayed his resilience and justified his status as the long-standing champion of the featherweight division by coming close to victory in Australia at UFC 284.
However, in this showdown, Makhachev, who had the training and guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov, reaffirmed his status as the top fighter in the business. With a single, well-placed head kick, he sent Volkanovski to the canvas in the first round of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev secured yet another victory, this time in a dominant fashion. While Volkanovski faced another setback, his warm welcome upon returning to his homeland was a heartwarming sight. You can watch the video below.
Alex Volkanovski's family and countrymen welcomed him home to New Zealand after UFC 294 pic.twitter.com/wJfFHwyaXT
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) October 24, 2023
In the video, fans at the airport gave him a warm welcome with a local dance, and they presented him with a welcoming card. Interestingly, there were many T-shirts bearing Volkanovski’s name, showing support for him.
The Australian fighter has been a source of pride for Australian fans and a reason they proudly wave the Australian flag, as he is a champion in the UFC realm. Despite his loss to Makhachev, Volkanovski has announced his intent to make a return to the octagon, specifically targeting UFC 297 in January. It will indeed be intriguing to see how he performs in his upcoming fight.
