At UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, on Saturday night, Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski by majority decision to win the battle of champions and keep his lightweight title.
After five nail-biting rounds at the RAC Arena, Makhachev (24-1) won 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 to successfully defend his title.
In the process, the Russian extended his winning streak to 12 fights, despite the fact that Volkanovski, an underdog from Australia, gave it his all for significant stretches of the battle.
The UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski was seeking to become just the fifth fighter in UFC history to hold two titles at once.
To jeers from the audience, Makhachev remarked, “I prove I am No. 1. They need to get better. They are skilled in grappling and striking, which is his speciality. However, whether you like me or not, I am currently the finest boxer in the world.”
Volkanovski, who lost to Makhachev after moving up in weight to face him, said: “I’m a better fighter as a result of this. When you push yourself in this way, you get stronger.
“I can complete the task, but tonight I fell short. Salutations to Islam, a superb combatant. We might decide on pound-for-pound No. 1 once more.”
Later, he expressed his ire at the choice on Twitter, writing: “I just watched the fight, and I know I got 2, 3, and 5. I’m surprised my hand wasn’t raised! Let’s play the rematch whenever and whenever!”
Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2,3 and 5. Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime! 👊
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) February 12, 2023
Since his second UFC match in 2015, Makhachev has won 12 straight matches.
In other matches, Mexico’s Yair Rodriguez submitted American Josh Emmett in the second round, and Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena defeated Jamaica’s Randy Brown within the first three minutes of their fights.
Parker Porter of the United States was defeated by Justin Tafa of New Zealand in the first round with a punch, and Jimmy Crute of Australia and Alonzo Menifield of the United States were unable to be separated, ending in a majority tie.
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