Islam Makhachev DEFENDS lightweight title as Alexander Volkanovski falls painfully short in bid to become two-weight champion, with Russian edging five-round thriller at UFC 284 in Perth
- Islam Makhachev was pushed to the limit by Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, claiming win on scorecards
- Russian was forced into a stand-up battle against powerful Australian rival for majority of five-rounder
- He edged victory and will be new pound-for-pound No 1 but Perth crowd were treated to superb contest
Advertisement
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Alexander Volkanovski fell painfully short in his attempt at becoming a two-weight UFC champion, with Islam Makhachev edging a thrilling battle in Perth.
The blockbuster main event at UFC 284 showcased the pound-for-pound fighters in MMA and it was the Russian who triumphed in enemy territory via a unanimous decision.
In the biggest fight of the year so far, it took a gargantuan effort from Makhachev – without Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner – to dig in and overcome the fan favourite 28-27, 28-27, 29-26.
Volkanovski had promised his 5ft 6in frame and wrestling pedigree would make it hard for the Dagestani to take him down and maul him, as he has done with almost all his opponents at lightweight.
And for the most part, ‘The Great’ was right, forcing his rival to stand and trade blows with him.
Read Related Also: Johnny Depp Looks Regal As King Louis XV In His Return To The Big Screen
The opening stanza set the tone for what was to come. Volkanovski roared: ‘Let’s f***ing go’ as he sent Makhachev stumbling backwards with a right hand early on.
Islam Makhachev is the new pound-for-pound No 1 after beating Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth
The Russian then exacted revenge and wobbled his challenger, securing a takedown and threatening a choke before the clock intervened.
Volkanovski looked slick on the feet but Makhachev carried that extra power in his natural weight class so didn’t need to land as often. Early in the second round the 34-year-old sent the champion tumbling backwards and it ended up on the ground briefly before the Aussie rose to his feet. Makhachev had the better of the remaining three minutes but not by much and the pace was electric.
The third was incredibly tight and competitive, with Makhachev sniping away and drawing nods of approval from Volkanovski when he landed a crisp shot, which was often a jab.
In the first of the championship rounds, Makhachev timed a takedown to perfection and Volkanovski was forced to operate from a body triangle for almost four minutes.
He landed rabbit punches and impressively resisted attempts at a a choke, speaking to both his constrictor below him and referee Marc Goddard, who he urged to intervene as Makhachev was not upgrading his position.
