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It goes without saying that many fighters commented on the post, including Dustin Poirier.

Islam Makhachev

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Alexander Volkanovski, who had just lost by unanimous decision to Makhachev at UFC 284 two weeks prior, was the most noteworthy of those to respond.

Islam Makhachev

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Though it was evident that Makhachev won three of the five rounds, Volkanovski appeared to have prevailed on the surface.

Islam Makhachev

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. As the fifth round came to a close, he was on top of Makhachev and pelting the champion with a barrage of nasty blows, which just does not happen in Makhachev's fights.

Islam Makhachev

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Volkanovski grew more powerful as the battle went on.

Islam Makhachev

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There is even more justification to move this back given the dispute surrounding whether Makhachev utilised intravenous treatment to rehydrate after weighing in, which is prohibited by the rules of the Western Australia Combat Sport Commission (the fight took place in Perth, Australia).

Islam Makhachev

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If Makhachev and Volkanovski rematch this summer, the lightweight category will benefit

Islam Makhachev

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The top contenders will already be established by that point thanks to the results of the Charles Oliveira-Beneil Dariush fight in May and the Justin Gaethje-Rafael Fiziev fight in March.

Islam Makhachev

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Although Poirier has won four of his last five fights, he did lose to Oliveira in December 2021, and he is currently in a bind.

Islam Makhachev

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Poirier has only fought once since then, winning against Michael Chandler in November, but it still seems like he needs at least one more victory to be considered for a title opportunity.

Islam Makhachev