They were once bitter rivals, but Islam Makhachev has made a classy gesture to Alex Volkanovski on the eve of his featherweight title showdown with Ilia Topuria.

Volkanovski, 35, will defend his title against the undefeated contender in the main event of UFC 298, which takes place at in Anaheim, California on Sunday.

'The Great' will be looking to prove he is still one of the UFC's best after suffering a brutal knockout against lightweight kingpin Makhachev last October.

In a recent social media post, the Aussie explained a hilarious story about how his daughter still has nightmares about Makhachev.

'She goes, "What if someone breaks in?" I’m like, darling, your door’s open, I’m right there. No one’s going to break in,' Volkanovski said.

"What if they break in this window?" I’m like, darling, it’s alright. I’m right here. I’m a world champion, don’t worry. I’ll try and sort it out. 

'She goes, "What if it’s Islam Makhachev?"'

On Sunday morning before the fight, Volkanovski announced that Makhachev had sent him presents for his daughters - and told the Aussie champ that he'd never come to their home uninvited.

'Islam must have felt a little bit bad and sent some presents for the girls,' said Volkanovski, showing a pink gift bag.

'He messaged me and said 'Look, I'd just tell them I'd never come to the house uninvited. So, obviously he's a good human being, Islam, and I appreciate that.'

The MMA world loved the classy move from Makhachev, and took to social to comment.

'Oh hell yes, this makes me smile and the respect between fighters is one of the best aspects of MMA,' wrote one fan on X.

'Wholesome MMA content right here,' said another.

UFC referee Marc Goddard commented: 'THIS is what we love about MMA. Wholesome content. Beautiful gesture from Islam & Alex is an absolute class act too. Publicly & privately. This is what keeps the fire burning & makes me proud & thankful for this sport after all these years.'

Volkanovski, who has held the UFC's featherweight title since 2019 when he defeated Max Holloway, is undefeated at 145 pounds and has defended the title five times during his dominant reign.

However, Volkanovski is now facing a new opponent, Father Time.

UFC fighters aged 35 and over - in men's divisions below middleweight - have a record of wining just two of 33 fights.

The only fighter to defy this curse has been Tyron Woodley, in his title fights against Demian Maia and Darren Till.

In recent years, fans have watched top veterans like Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal get beaten by younger opponents in title fights.

'The Great' has heard the talk that his best days might be behind him and has decided to lean into the over 35 curse.

Volkanovski recently partnered with Sportsbet to produce a hilarious video making fun of his age.

'Volkanovski too old - they'll make a headline out of anything these days,' he says in the clip, while dressed like a much older man.

'All this talk about the over 35 curse, it's nonsense. So I've let the Sportsbet crew in to prove I'm just as youthful as these whippersnappers.'

The champ hits all the cliches, including falling asleep on the couch and talking to his neighbour over the back fence.

Topuria acknowledges Volkanovski's talent, but believes his time at the top is now over and has called him 'old' several times in the buildup to the championship bout.

'I'm the best. He is one of the best. You have to give him his credit. He was a great champion, he was pound-for-pound No. 1. He was one of the greatest, without any doubt,' he said.

'He's old. He already lost. He has all the signals that he has to retire. He had his moments in this sport and now it's time to move on.

'It's time for the new blood, and I represent the new generation. I represent the evolution of mixed martial arts.'