martial arts,
Feb 21, 10:21 pm
Makhachev responded to Volkanovski’s accusations of using IVs
Islam Makhachev noted that in the team of Alexander Volkanovski, after the defeat in the title fight, they wanted to belittle the merits of the Russian fighter
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The team of UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski was upset by the defeat of the champion of the organization in the lightweight division Islam Makhachev, so they tried to “shake” the topic of accusing the Russian of doping. Makhachev said this on the air of Match TV.
“I was completely relaxed. Any Russian athlete should be prepared for any kind of accusations, because it is hard for foreigners to compete with us in any sport. These accusations against me were not related to anything. Volkanovski’s team was upset by the defeat. They tried to somehow shake up this topic, ”Makhachev said.
Makhachev announced the difficulties in the battle due to the absence of Nurmagomedov
He noted that he rejoices when anti-doping officers come to Makhachkala, because he is for “clean sport.” “They wanted to belittle my merits, accuse me of something, but I am always for clean sport. After I arrived in Australia, I passed the test four times, half an hour before entering the octagon. After the fight, they took blood from me. I rejoice when tests are taken, when anti-doping officers come to Makhachkala. You must be constantly in the access zone. I always know that I am clean. After this week you can be calm. Without evidence, it’s just empty talk, he added.
The Russian fighter noted that from the very beginning, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the Australian Commission had no complaints.
Earlier, Makhachev’s former rival Dan Hooker said that the Russian used a prohibited method of rehydration after cutting weight before the fight. The New Zealander did not specify where he got the information from and whether he had evidence.
Later, Volkanovski also admitted that before the fight with him, the opponent restored weight with the help of a drip. “I heard that he weighed about 83 kg during the fight. With the help of droppers or something like that, you can quickly recover, ”said the Australian.
Pre-fight intravenous rehydration has been banned since 2015; the UFC said that for this the fighter could be suspended for up to two years. However, so far for such a violation, the fighter Paulo Costa, who himself twice admitted to it in 2017, was suspended only for six months retroactively. UFC is an American promotion, USADA tests all of its fighters.
The fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski took place at the UFC 284 tournament in Perth, Australia on the night of February 12. The Russian won by unanimous decision and retained the lightweight championship belt.
Alvina Tsakanyan.
