alexander volkanovski islam makhachev sportstiger

UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski fought hard at UFC 284 in Perth’s RAC Arena, but the lightweight title eluded the latter as 155lbs champion Makhachev secured a unanimous-decision win.

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Both the celebrated fighters fought back and forth for hard rounds before Makhachev secured his title. Makhachev and Volkanovski masterfully weaponized each other’s greatest strengths, while Volkanovksi managed to peel away Makhachev’s grappling and confidence to wrestle offensively. 

But the reigning champion Makhachev tackled every challenge, that came his way as all five rounds were competitive. The momentum tended towards Makhachev to Volkanovksi with each passive five minutes.

31-year-old Makhachev, continued his winning streak, 12th win, with that victory at UFC 284. “I showed why I am No. 1. You like it or you don’t like it. I am the number one best fighter in the world. I want a real contender. Not fakes,” Makhachev told UFC commentator Michael Bisping during the post-fight interview.

“People didn’t give me a chance, but I gave myself a chance. It was fun fight. Maybe I could have capitalised on some positions more. I left it late, but what can you do? Congrats to Islam. Obviously, he didn’t respect my wrestling and grappling, and I guess maybe I didn’t respect his strikes enough because he landed some good shots,” Volkanovski told Bisping.

A fight that was supposed to end 3-2 in eight directions was announced as a unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) in Makhachev’s favour. He is likely to replace Volkanovksi’s No. 1 P4P spot in the UFC’s rankings.  "Maybe we'll settle pound-for-pound again," Volkanovski said.

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UFC 284 card and results

Islam Makhachev (c) def. Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

Yair Rodriguez (ic) def. Josh Emmett via second-round submission (triangle choke)

Jack Della Maddalena def. Randy Brown via first-round submission (rear-naked choke)

Justin Tafa def. Parker Porter via first-round knockout (punch)

Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menfield ends in a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

Modestas Bukauskas def. Tyson Pedro via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Josh Culibao def. Melsik Baghdasaryan via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)

Kleydson Rodrigues def. Shannon Ross via first-round TKO (punches)

Jamie Mullarkey def. Francisco Prado via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jack Jenkins def. Don Shainis via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Loma Lookboonmee def. Elise Reed via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)

Blake Bilder def. Shane Young via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Elves Brenner def. Zubaira Tukhugov via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)