Dana White has snapped back at Islam Makhachev after the Russian criticised the UFC for a lack of promotion ahead of Saturday's clash with Alexander Volkanovski. 

The 31-year-old, who is pound-for-pound No 2, behind his Australian opponent, claimed White was 'not paying much attention to the fight'. 

But White has now responded, telling Jim Rome: '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.

'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. 

'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 [vs. Dustin] 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.'

In an interview with R-Sport Russia, Makhachev expressed his disappointment, saying: 'I see that it is not such a big promotion. Dana White himself has some problems. 

'He does not pay much attention to this fight. In terms of pay-per-view, yes, more could have been done. I only saw Volkanovski once, in Sydney. 

'A tour could be organized around the world, a conference could be held in America.'

Makhachev is the bigger man as lightweight champion and Volkanovski is moving up from his natural featherweight class for a shot at double champ status. 

The Russian is favourite with the bookmakers but both men have a similar record and the Australian's dominance at 145-pounds has earned him a shot in a mega-fight.

Volkanovski has won his last 22 fights and never tasted defeat in the UFC. 

He would cement his legacy as one of the greats if he manages to move up and overcome the fearsome wrestler. 

But it will be no easy task and the City Kickboxing fighter is going to have to outclass Makhachev on the feet while avoiding the takedowns that will inevitably be attempted over 25 minutes, or however long the battle lasts.