Conor McGregor launches stunning attack on Aussie UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski ahead of shock re-match with Islam Makhachev at UFC 294: ‘Volk couldn’t hold my spit bucket’

Conor McGregor has applauded Israel Adesanya’s decision to take time out before his next fight, but also put a shock sledge against Aussie UFC star Alexander Volkanovski at the same time.

Volkanovski is a five-time featherweight champion and will step into the Octagon for a rematch against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 on October 22 (AEDT).

Australia took the fight two weeks after Brazilian superstar Charles Oliveira was ruled out with a facial injury, creating the opportunity to redeem himself after losing to Makhachev earlier this year.

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is likely to be one of the sought-after fights to step up against Makhachev, but he is taking a long break from the sport.

“You won’t see me fight for a long time,” Adesanya said.

Conor McGregor is never short of confidence and he once again tried to bait Volkanovski into challenging him in his UFC return

The Aussie has bigger fish to fry, however, with a chance at redemption against Makhachev potentially opening the door to becoming a double champion

“Even with this short substitution, I’m sure they called my team and my team said, ‘He’s not fighting right now.’

“I’m just going to take my time. Heal. And then when I come back, I run for the hills.’

McGregor backs that decision, backing Adesanya to come back bigger and better than ever after his last start loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, but also obliterating Volkanovski in the process.

‘Rounds of boxing sparring with big gloves in a closed ring and you’re putting Sean behind your back, boy. Rest. And then go back and get that belt,” McGregor posted on X.

‘And Volk couldn’t hold my spit bucket. ‘

McGregor suffered a broken leg when he lost to long-term rival Dustin Poirior in his last fight in July 2021.

Now, the polarizing star is watching to make a return to the octagon, a return made challenging by the split between the UFC and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

This comes after McGregor stated that Volkanovski would make ‘quick work’ for him in September.

Volkanovski lost last time he stepped up against Makhachev and this time he will have to fight him on just two weeks notice.

Adesanya was also likely to face Makhachev, but he took an extended break following his loss to Sean Strickland

However, the Australian has no immediate intentions of matching the Irish star, instead focusing on re-establishing his position at the top of the bantamweight division against unbeaten challenger Ilia Topuria.

“It’s a cumulative division,” Volkanovski said in September.

“There’s a lot of good talent out there, but I don’t think anyone’s knocking on the door right now except Ilia and I love him.”

However, the lure of a rematch with Makhachev – who is riding a 12-fight winning streak – has accelerated Volkanovski’s plans to become a double champion.

Makhachev has welcomed the challenge to put aside any doubts about who is the greatest fighter.

“Honestly, I’m happy because after the last game, we have a lot of questions,” said Makhachev in Volkanovski’s rematch.

“But all the answers will be in Abu Dhabi inshallah.”