Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski full fight video highlights

Watch Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski full fight video highlights from the main event of UFC 284, courtesy of the UFC and other outlets.

UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski took place Feb. 12 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev (24-1) and featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (25-2) collided in the seventh champion vs. champion fight in UFC history, with Makhachev’s belt on the line in the night’s main event. The fight aired live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

Catch the video highlights below.

For more on Makhachev vs. Volkanovski, check out the live blog by MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew.

Round 1: Makhachev out in southpaw, Volk in orthodox to start and feints immediately from Volk. He’s moving around the outside, while Makhachev looks to cut the cage.

Both men take their time and feel things out. Volk moves on angles, showing a right-hand swing, but is not firing yet. Makhachev hits a kick on the body for a start.

Volk charges in but comes up with air. Still circling from both me but now Volk is leading the dance and he’s switching stances a lot. Different looks.

Volk hits a low kick during their exchange, and Volk land a right-hand down the middle. This stings Makhachev! Volk shouts, “Let’s go!” and is feeling good. Makhachev has the speed and Volk is patient. Maybe he’s a bit too patient.

Volk is charging in though. It would be unsafe to not work in cleanly. But the speed is troubling Makhachev early. Volk comes in and Makhachev sits him down! Volk tries to get back up, but Makhachev clipped him in an exchange. Now Makhachev charges Volk and land a knee. Volk then retreats while Makhachev enters on a clinch.

Makhachev is in a rear-waistlock with the fence, and we are fighting it. Volk fights Makhachev and gets the takedown. Volk tries to turn but can’t and Makhachev takes the back!!!

Volk is fighting the hands while Makhachev is trying to fish for the choke. Volk is very calm, but Makhachev crosses the chin.

It’s a bail for Makhachev. He’s not forcing anything here and Volk is defending. Another face crank but Volk defends. We’ll be here for the end of this round in a short time.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Makhachev.

Round 2: Makhachev was smiling at the end of the round. Both me confident in the corners.

The second round started with the same start, Makhachev moving slowly and Volk looking more serious. Volk seems less lateral now than before. He charges in and breaks out quickly. Lands to the body. But eats a kick to the body.

Volk arrives hard, but does not find anything. He charges and Makhachev drops on a reactive double and Makhachev gets the takedown early!

Volk is dragged back to the cage, but Makhachev holds the rear waistlock. Volk fighting hands, Makhachev feeding a leg weave and drags him back down but Volk gets up!

Clinching and Makhachev land some great knees, before Volk is turned to the cage. Volk reverses position and he’s controlling in here now! He is impressive, but he takes a knee every time he breaks.

Volk is doing very well here in grappling, which is bad news for Makhachev. He’s now on the move. And Makhachev lands a low kick when Volk gets too aggressive.

Another collision. No joy at either end.

Volk makes a huge left, but then eats an enormous left-hand that really rocks Volk. He’s on the retreat and Islam is in pursuit. Volk is now clear of his doubts, but Makhachev feels more confident and will be supporting Volk. Volk goes for some leg kicks while Makhachev is head hunting!

Big uppercut from Makhachev and then a clinch and a knee! Volk reverses position and now he’s got a leg but not committing to it. Volk chipping in shots here and controlling with short time. Busy work from both to end the round.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Makhachev, 20-18 Makhachev overall.

Round 3: Volk tells his corner that Makhachev isn’t strong in there, and they suggest getting on top. They also says Makhachev is panicking some, which may be true.

Both men looking fresh to start the third.

It is quite interesting that

Makhachev doesn’t take too many pictures. Let the fingers do their thing and let them make clinches.

Makhachev reaches high and is blocked. Volk lands a right hand when Makhachev comes in. But patience is still the name of the game.

Volk lands a good body shot but Makhachev lands a nice clinch knee to the body. Makhachev has a more aggressive round and can land a great body kick. Volk gets back with a combo. Makhachev lands a left. Volk receives some back.

Makhachev lands a left hand. Makhachev overreacting to feints now and Volk lands a low kick.

Makhachev grabs the clinch and Volk arrives in. Volk lands on his knees and attempts to throw him. He can’t resist but manages to get him on the cage. After that, he stays there and gets his takedown. Volk instantly gives his back and stands. Makhachev weaves the legs, but Volk can’t keep it in place.

Volk holds the clinch and hits a huge hook at the break. Makhachev staying aggressive with the advancing. Slow pace in general to the striking though as Makhachev lands a nice left counter.

Volk advancing and lands a low kick. Makhachev responds by landing a right-hook. Volk has a cut on his forehead now. He charges in and Makhachev slips to the canvas but he’s up! Volk is now moving faster and trying to take down Makhachev from the clinch, but Makhachev stifles it and counters. Great fight so far.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Makhachev, 30-27 Makhachev overall.

Round 4: Round 3 was close. That could have gone to Volk but I thought Makhachev did more damage. Could be a swing round if Volk gets going.

Both men look fresh still. This is great theater.

Volk still feinting a ton. Makhachev scores a great left. His size makes him a formidable weapon.

Volk lands a left hand during an exchange but eats one himself. Makhachev and Volk exchange kicks, which leads to a low blow. However they get over it. And Makhachev lands a stinging left hand.

Makhachev is managing the range really well now. Volk isn’t getting in easily and he’s eating counters when he charges. Volk steps in and GORGEOUS COUNTER TAKEDOWN FROM MAKHACHEV.

Gets the double at the centre of the cage. Volk climbs up the cage, and Makhachev grabs his back. He has the body triangle in and the fence is blocking Volk from turning. Makhachev is fighting Volk for something, and trying to get in.

Here, Makhachev is the backpacker. Volk is being cheeky and talking trash, while Makhachev doesn’t seem to care and is losing the round.

Volk attempts to transform into the triangle, but fails. This is all hand-fighting. Volk is talking because he can’t do anything else. Makhachev could attack an armbar with just a few minutes left. He’s setting it up off the choke attack.

Volk cannot get out of this and he keeps talking. Makhachev will remain here. Volk is getting frustrated and talking s*** like Makhachev is doing something wrong. Makhachev is the last round participant.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Makhachev, 40-36 Makhachev overall.

Round 5: Volkanovski needs a finish to win this one. Although he’s done a great job tonight, it wasn’t enough to win this one. Both look great.

They hug it out to start the round and Volk comes in but eats a mean left hand. Makhachev is a master at timing that. He has been incredibly grateful for it all night.

Volk starts coming on now but eats a mean knee and a left hand. Volk is being aggressive but he’s coming into fire as a result.

Volk enters and attempts to get hooks, but ends up eating two huge knees straight from the clinch. Volk now has a cut to his left eye. Volk comes in, and Makhachev reacts to double him. He gets the cut!

Volk refuses to accept it, but he stumbles! He jumped up to his feet. Makhachev holds for a clinch, but Volk snaps it off and gets on the offensive.

Volk is really jumping in now, but Makhachev counters it. Makhachev attacks a single, but Volk fights it off and attempts to switch. Makhachev adapts. Volk pulls through with limp-legs!

Volk steps in and grabs a clinch but eats a knee. Makhachev eats a left hand and now Volk going for a body lock. Clinch wrestling and Volk trying it but Makhachev will not allow it. 90 seconds!

Back in space and VOLKANOVSKI DROPS MAKHACHEV! He was shooting and Makhachev ducked into it. He is now under guard. Volk staying on him but Makhachev has full guard and he’s tying Volk up with 30 seconds left.

There isn’t enough time. Makhachev keeps his distance. Volk tries to get up, but he can’t manage anything before the last bell.

INCREDIBLE FIGHT.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Volkanovski, 49-46 Makhachev overall.

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

Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/12/23596052/islam-makhachev-vs-alexander-volkanovski-full-fight-video-highlights-ufc-284?rand=96749