Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Pragjyoti Singh
After UFC President Dana White seemingly forgot Lightweight champ Islam Makhachev’s name during the post-fight press conference of UFC Fight Night 218, MMA fans were left trying to wrap their head around the incident. While talking about the fight between Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, and the legacy that the two could create with the upcoming fight, the UFC president appeared to struggle as he tried to recall the lightweight champ’s name. MMA fans were quick to draw conclusions with some even pointing out that Makhachev’s recent claims that White was not promoting the UFC 284 card as aggressively as he should, could be the reason that the 53-year-old did not want to mention his name.
Now Dana White in a conversation on The Jim Rome Show, came out with an explanation as he slammed the angle that was being circulated online.
Dana White claims massive numbers heading into UFC 284
Slamming the idea that promotional activities were lacking for UFC 284, the UFC president claimed that the whole thing was taken out of context.
“Yeah, that’s not true,.First of all, I’ve talked to Islam. First of all, who interviewed him? Who translated for him? I mean, the guy speaks Russian. Taken out of context.” claimed White.
He then went on to state that Makhachev clearly did not know about the promotion that took place for his fight against Volkanovski.“First of all, he lives in Dagestan. What does he know about what’s going on for the promotion of the fight? He doesn’t know anything.”
Surprisingly, White also revealed that he expected it to be among the top 5 fights of all time. Although it sounds a bit far-fetched, considering neither Makhachev nor Volkanovski commands the type of fandom that a certain Irish MMA fighter does. He also pointed out that the event has already sold out.
“It’s going to be one of the top-five biggest fights of all-time. First of all, the event sold out. Right? You couldn’t get a ticket if you wanted to get a ticket in Perth. And this thing is trending right now to be the biggest pay-per-view event in Australia, which, it’s like six percent behind the Conor McGregor, Poirier 3 fight. It’s probably going to break the record. So to say that the fight hasn’t been [promoted], that’s just ridiculous. That’s what you call some internet BS.” stated White.
Islam Makhachev gives his comments on the scenario
Speaking to MMA Junkie, the Lightweight champion too addressed the issue. Surprisingly, unlike what many believed, the 31-year-old Dagestani, did not seem too concerned about the idea of White forgetting his name.
Makhachev responded, claiming that it could be the fact that people in the states found it difficult to pronounce his name. The Dagestani even gave the example of friend and former lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov
“U.S people this is not easy my surname he forget but Makhachev is not easy for the U.S you know like Nurmagomedov, it’s I don’t hear like somebody say right you know everybody did some mistake because that’s why I don’t care.” stated Makhachev.
Well, ultimately everything seemed to have sorted out well for both White and the lightweight champ. And for fans who were waiting for some sort of drama to unfold, unfortunately, they’ll have to look in a different direction.
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