Islam Makhachev needed every minute over five rounds to fend off the challenge from Alexander Volkanovski to remain lightweight champion in the UFC 284 main event.
It was a back-and-forth battle throughout with Volkanovski stunning Makhachev several times on the feet as the reigning featherweight king sought to become a two-division champion. Despite a few setbacks, Makhachev continuously found ways to turn the tables including a couple of knockdowns of his own while also employing his suffocating ground game.
When it was over, the judges scored the fight 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47 with Makhachev securing the victory and handing Volkanovski the first loss of his UFC career.
“Thank you Alex. Makhachev stated afterwards that it was a great fight. “I need some tough fights. My skills need to be improved. Although he is going to be easy for me on the floor, this man has made great strides. I need tough fights.
” I show you why I’m the No. 1. You have to keep improving. It doesn’t matter if you like me or not, but I’m the greatest fighter currently .”
Nothing came easy for Makhachev as Volkanovski hung with him at every turn but the 31-year-old progeny of Abdulmanap and Khabib Nurmagomedov showed why he is the best lightweight in the sport.
When the fight started Volkanovski showed a lot confidence and good footwork. He was able to create his combinations while keeping Makhachev outside. Volkanovski’s first punch was a direct shot in the middle which sent Makhachev backwards to the cage.
Just when Volkanovski seemed to be in control, Makhachev returned with another huge flurry. This included a massive left hook which dropped Volkanovski to his knees for a moment. Volkanovski seized on the opening to get his first takedown before advancing to take the back where he looked to set up a rear-naked choke.
Volkanovski survived the bad position, which allowed him to reset between rounds.
Back on the feet, Volkanovski clipped Makhachev again with another series of punches that found a home on the chin and the Russian was clearly rocked. Makhachev turned to his wrestling to allow himself to recover but Volkanovski quickly escaped to the center of the octagon.
As Volkanovski looked to maintain his momentum, Makhachev came right back at him with a short counter left that wobbled the featherweight champion. Volkanovski was able to recover and switched his positions in an effort to keep Makhachev guessing.
A hard kick to the leg and then going back up top to the head allowed Volkanovski to continue landing the better overall combinations but he always had to be wary of the power coming back at him from Makhachev.
With the fight moving into the championship rounds, Makhachev regained control with a perfectly timed takedown before moving to the back, which left Volkanovski stuck defending submission attempts. Unlike previous ground exchanges, Volkanovski was finally unable to break free from Makhachev’s grip and it left him very little time to forge a late comeback.
A straight left hand as a counter punch from Makhachev continued to catch Volkanovski on the chin as the Australian desperately tried to find a way to get inside safely again. Any time Volkanovski got a little over aggressive, Makhachev was able to snatch a leg to look for the takedown.
As the clock ticked away towards the end of the fight, Volkanovski stunned Makhachev with a hard right hand that put the fight back on the ground. Volkanovski started to unleash the punishing but it was too late for Makhachev.
Regardless of the result, it was a valiant effort from Volkanovski, although certainly not the outcome he wanted when asking for this opportunity to become a two-division UFC champion.
” “Obviously, a lot people will be happy with that since they never gave me the chance,” Volkanovski stated. “I knew I prepared properly, it was a fun fight. Congrats to Islam.”
Volkanovski was able to see Yair Rodriguez crowned interim champion featherweight just before his fight. He already has his next assignment scheduled, but he isn’t giving up on a possible return to 155 pound.
“Let’s just get it f****** over and done with,” Volkanovski said. “I said I was going to stay active. I’ll be back in the lightweight division but for now let me go settle this featherweight division. Congrats to Yair.”
As for Makhachev, he vanquished yet another opponent for his 12th consecutive win in a row and now he’s calling on the rest of the lightweight division to step up and offer him a challenge.
“Real competitor, not fake,” Makhachev shouted. “I need a real contender.”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/12/23596255/islam-makhachev-fends-off-challenge-from-alexander-volkanovski-to-defend-title-in-ufc-284-main-event?rand=96749
