Islam Makhachev Defeats Alexander Volkanovski To Retain Lightweight Belt at UFC 284

• Islam Makhachev is still the Lightweight champion and now the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world
• Alexander Volkanovski proved that he has a great stand-up game and that he can grapple with the best of them
• Makhachev defeated Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 284 but there are already calls for a rematch

The main event of UFC promised to be one to watch.

The Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev put his title on the line against Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

The two fighters are the number one and number two ranked pound-for-pound fighters in the world and wanted to settle who was the best once and for all.

The first round got started quite cagey as neither man wanted to make a mistake too early in the fight. Volkanovski got a huge pop from the home crowd when he landed a hook at the two-minute mark. The shot found its mark and the champion was rocked backwards. Makhachev then rocked the Australian a minute later and immediately attempted tried to take the fight to the ground.

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The Lightweight champion wrapped himself around Volkanovski once he took the fight to the ground and immediately tried to hook in a rear naked choke.

The Australian never looked to be in serious danger and even smiled for the cameras and got the crowd to cheer him on as the time ticked on.

Round 2

The second round also started off very cagey as Volkanovski tried to find his range with his shots. Realising that he was outmatched in the ground game, he attempted to use his striking game to his advantage.

He dropped the champion early in round two but Makhachev took control again on the ground. Volk fought out of the grappling and brought the fight back to a standing position.

The duo started trading blows, with Makhachev landing a big shot that rattled the Australian momentarily. Considered more of a wrestling machine, many were surprised to see the Lightweight champion trade blows and come out looking like the better fighter.

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Round 3

The third round was a more action-packed affair, to begin with as Makhachev and Volkanovski both landed big shots. Makhachev then tried to return to his grappling game as he attempted to take the Australian down but Volk wouldn’t go down.

Both men looked to finish the fight as before they entered the championship rounds, but neither would give in.

Round 4

With his ground game neutralized by Volkanovski, Makhachev stuck to his strikes to try and do damage. Volkanovski was happy to stand and trade but got too comfortable. Makhachev went in for a takedown in a flash and managed to ground the Australian.

Like a python he wrapped himself around Volkanovski, taking his back and cutting him off from the cage. The champion kept control for most of the round but Volkanovski still landed blows despite being in a disadvantageous position. He trash-talked Makhachev, even as they stood up for the end of round four.

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Round 5

The fifth and final round was a brawl between the two men as they both tried to put an exclamation mark on the fight. Makhachev tried to go back to the ground game but Volk kept getting back up, showing his resilience.

With a minute to go in the fight, Volkanovski landed a big hook which dropped the champion. He then started to land punched from the top but Makhachev was doing everything he could to run down the clock, surviving a late TKO stoppage.

The Decision

After an amazing 25 minutes of action, the fight went to the judges’ scorecard. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 as they gave the win to Makhachev.

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Justin Tafa, Jimmy Crute and Jack Della Maddalena secured big wins in front of the home fans, with Tafa needing just a minute to win his bout.

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Crute and Della Maddalena also sent the crowd into delirium with their victories.

Makhachev defeats Volkanovski

The main event of UFC promised to be one to watch.

The Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev put his title on the line against Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, Sports Brief reported.

The two fighters are the number one and number two ranked pound-for-pound fighters in the world and wanted to settle who was the best once and for all.