UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell believes Alexander Volkanovski was robbed against Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski made his debut in the UFC lightweight division at UFC 284 earlier this year when he challenged Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound strap in pursuit of champ-champ status. However, the reigning featherweight champion came up short, losing via decision following a close fight.
Volkanovski gave Makhachev the toughest fight of his career, with some even claiming that the Australian deserved the judges' nod on the night.
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Speaking about the Makhachev vs. Volkanovski bout in a recent interview with James Lynch, Bryce Mitchell gave his thoughts on the decision and suggested that the fight was "rigged":
“That fight was rigged as f**k, dude. He brings in all that money from the Middle East. When you’re bringing in that kind of oil money and all that Middle Eastern money, bro. All the richest people in the world are from the Middle East, I guess they just f*****g paid the judges."
'Thug Nasty' added:
"I know Alexander Volkanovski won a decision, I don’t think nothing, I know he won and I know that shit was rigged. I’m not f****g stupid, you can’t tell me that shit wasn’t rigged, I’m not buying it. You can pay the judges whatever the f**k you want to pay them, I know Alexander Volkanovski won that fight.”
Watch the interview below:
Islam Makhachev called out Leon Edwards following UFC 286
Leon Edwards returned to action this past weekend in a highly anticipated trilogy bout against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286. Despite being the underdog against 'The Nigerian Nightmare' yet again, 'Rocky' edged a majority decision win to retain his title.
Following Edwards' win over Usman, Islam Makhachev threw in his name for a potential shot at becoming a double champ. Makhachev took to Twitter to challenge 'Rocky' to a fight in Abu Dhabi later this year in October. The Dagestani tweeted:
"I want Leon next, October in Abu Dhabi"
A fight between Leon Edwards and Islam Makhachev seems uniikely at the moment. Dana White announced at the UFC 286 post-fight presser that Colby Covington will be next for Edwards.