Islam Makhachev denied Alexander Volkanovski’s bid to become the latest UFC champ-champ.
Fighters were split on the scoring in UFC 284’s main event, but all of them agreed the lightweight title fight was an amazing display of fighting with exhilarating twists and turns.
Makhachev’s size aturned out to be one of his key advantages. He struck more frequently and caused visible damage during exchanges. His grappling sometimes gave Volkanovski fits. In the end, judges all gave the lightweight champion the fight via scores of 48-47 twice and 49-46.
Here’s what fighters had to say about the UFC 284 main card on Saturday in Perth, Australia.
Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski
Yeah right Islam got his asss whooped
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) February 12, 2023
Let’s get it back!
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) February 12, 2023
Wow
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) February 12, 2023
Lady & Gents we have a new P4P King
Congrats to @MAKHACHEVMMA #UFC284— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) February 12, 2023
Not mad at that at all great fight man
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) February 12, 2023
Volk is still p4p number 2 that was foty so far
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) February 12, 2023
I need to see an immediate rematch! #UFC284
— Leah Letson UFC (@LeahNidasMMA) February 12, 2023
What a BIG round for Bulkanovski! The highest of levels and that right hand that dropped Islam was perfectly timed. I still think Islam wins this but what a fight! #UFC284
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 12, 2023
They did VOLK dirty #UFC284 great fight but wrong decision
— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) February 12, 2023
They fucked up that decision
— Kyle Prepolec (@KPrepolec) February 12, 2023
MMA needs to appreciate defensive fighters. Judges have no idea. #UFC284
— John Wayne Makdessi (@JohnMakdessi) February 12, 2023
This was an amazing fight. Happy Islam kept the belt but holy shit Volk is better than I thought and I already knew he was a certified killer
— Deron Winn (@DeronWinn) February 12, 2023
Respect @MAKHACHEVMMA @alexvolkanovski
That was one of the most competitive fights in the history of the sport #UFC284
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 12, 2023
Was exactly as we said. Part of the reason we have the jobs that we have
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 12, 2023
Volk should be rematched if he so desires. Everyone, have a wonderful night! See you on @anikflorianpod there’s much to talk about. It was an amazing superfight.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 12, 2023
Yair Rodriguez def. Josh Emmett
Yair Rodriguez is always a fun watch. Josh deserves a big shout out!
Congrats Champ— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) February 12, 2023
Elite performance. Welcome to the World Champion club @panteraufc
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) February 12, 2023
Wow! Beautiful submission finish! Emmett brought heat but those kicks were too fast for him! I was saying it before that JE needed a early KO because the speed and variety will cause trouble. #UFC284
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 12, 2023
Flawless performance by @panteraufc.
Flawless performance by @panteraufc. #AndNew #UFC284
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 12, 2023
Yair vs volk will be crazy good
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) February 12, 2023
I’ll see you soon congrats @ufc
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) February 12, 2023
2 Mexican champions in the UFC now! Viva latino-america #UFC284
— Vicente Luque (@VicenteLuqueMMA) February 12, 2023
@panteraufc handsome and nasty! What a combo congrats #ufc284 @ufc
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) February 12, 2023
Jack Della Maddalena def. Randy Brown
Damn. Credit where credit is due. The right hook hit hard, and the balance was taken away. Fair play Jack DM. #UFC284
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 12, 2023
Jack della the real deal taking notes boy got the hands
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 12, 2023
Jack Della is THAT GUY! #UFC284
— Joe Joe Giannetti (@Giannettimma) February 12, 2023
Get cute against JDM and you get slept. You must respect him at all costs. Australia has a star in Jack Della Maddalena!
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 12, 2023
Justin Tafa def. Parker Porter
KO POWER Tafa has thunder in his hands made the arena rumble @ufc #UFC284
— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) February 12, 2023
Dang that was cold
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 12, 2023
That was brutal!
That was brutal! #UFC284
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 12, 2023
Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menifield
Great fight, i did win though. I gave him round 1 and 3. No 10-8 either way and the point taken sealed the deal. Round 1 was very close
— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) February 12, 2023
Draw ?
— C H T O V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) February 12, 2023
Thanks for the war fellas
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 12, 2023
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/12/23596170/lets-run-it-back-fighters-react-to-islam-makhachevs-decision-over-alexander-volkanovski-at-ufc-284?rand=96749
