Makhachev advised Volkanovski to refuse the fight in January

“He can’t fight in January – he has to take a break. He has a big cut above his eye and he missed a really good kick - that's why he needs a rest. If he's smart, if his team is smart, he'll rest for a couple of months because I didn't choke him and didn't finish with a body shot. It was a kick in the head, and the decision should be made not only by his coach and team, but also by his doctor.”

Let us remind you that Makhachev knocked out Volkanovski with a high kick in the first round.