Islam Makhachev has defeated UFC Feattherweight champion Alex Volkanovski by unanimous decision at UFC 284 to retain his his Lightweight title, further extending his win streak to 12. Setting a new record for the highest-grossing event in an Australian arena, the two put on a spectacle for the 15,000 fans that filled RAC stadium in Perth and millions tuning around the world as the fight went the distance.
With the home crowd roaring behind him, Volkanovski gave Makhachev the hardest fight of his UFC career. Showcasing his impressive gas tank, Volkanovski dropped Makhachev in round 5 and ended the fight landing bombs from top position. However, having controlled the majority of the bout, Makhachev held on and was awarded for his efforts as the fight headed to the judges scorecards (48-47, 48-47, 49-46). Emerging victorious, Makhachev takes Volkanovski’s spot as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and dashes the Aussie’s hopes of joinng the champ-champ club for now.
“You like or you don’t like, I am best fighter in the world right now!” Says Makhachev.
In the post-fight interview, Volkanovski gave props his opponent, vowing to return to the lightweight division after finishing up business at Featherweight.
“He didn’t respect my wrestling, grappling,” Volkanovski said. “Maybe I didn’t respect his striking enough, either. He landed some shots. Fair play to both of us,” said Volkanovski.
In the co-main event, Yair Rodriguez finished Josh Emmett by round 2 submission. Looking ahead, UFC fans can look forward to a highly-anticipated bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, rematch between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, and the return of Jon Jones for a heavyweight clash with Ciryl Gane.
