Islam Makhachev doubles down on controversial UFC 284 win vs. Volkanovski: “Out of 25 minutes Volk got last 1 minute!”

Islam Makhachev and Alexander VolkanovskiIslam Makhachev publicly agrees with the decision of his Main Event bout at UFC 284 against Alexander Volkanovski. After rewatching the fight, Islam claimed that Volkanovski only won the last minute of the fight, contrary to the opinions of many. On Saturday, Feb 11th in Perth, Australia, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski stole the show […]

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev publicly agrees with the decision of his Main Event bout at UFC 284 against Alexander Volkanovski. After rewatching the fight, Islam claimed that Volkanovski only won the last minute of the fight, contrary to the opinions of many.

On Saturday, Feb 11th in Perth, Australia, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski stole the show with their Main Event title fight. The super-fight truly lived up to the hype and was a competitive scrap throughout all five rounds. In the end, Makhachev was awarded the Unanimous Decision victory, retaining his UFC Lightweight title, sending the Aussie crowd into a wave of boos once the judge’s scorecards were read.

Alexander Volkanovski believes he won the fight against Islam Makhachev

After the completion of the five-round war, the internet exploded with varying opinions of the fight, and one most commonly held by many that Volkanovski was in fact robbed of becoming the double-champ. The Featherweight champ himself took to twitter to express his perspective on how the fight went:

In his post-fight octagon interview, Volkanovski hinted at a possible rematch with Makhachev at some point down the line to settle the score and leave no doubts about who the true #1 Pound-for-Pound king is.

Islam Responds to Volkanovski, claiming a Dominant Victory

Shortly after Volkanovski expressed his views on Twitter, Islam Makhachev provided a statement from his side. While many thought the fight was extremely close, Makhachev did not see it this way. Via Twitter, Islam proclaimed:

The Dagestani Makhachev successfully defended his UFC Lightweight title for the first time, and in his eyes, in dominant fashion.

The victorious Makhachev stated in his post-fight octagon interview that he plans to take out any and all contenders in the 155 lb. division, so a rematch with Volk may have to wait. While these two from different weight classes collided at UFC 284, they each have their own respective titles to defend now before an inevitable rematch takes place.

The super-fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski certainly did not disappoint, as we saw each fighter best each other at their own strengths at times. Makhachev was the superior striker for moments of the fight, and Volkanovski weathered the storm and out-wrestled Islam at certain points.

After it was all said and done, UFC 284 lived up to all of the hype. Makhachev and Volkanovski put on a fight for the ages, and regardless of your opinion on the decision, it can be agreed upon that this fight showcased an extremely high level of MMA skill and entertainment.

Islam Makhachev ambitiously plans to become double-champ after clearing out 155lb division

Islam MakhachevUFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev already has his eyes set on becoming the Welterweight champ after dominating the 155 lb. division. Although Makhachev is yet to make his first title defense at 155 lbs, his coach Javier Mendez has already proposed the idea of Islam moving up once he clears out the current lightweight division. […]

Islam Makhachev

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev already has his eyes set on becoming the Welterweight champ after dominating the 155 lb. division.

Although Makhachev is yet to make his first title defense at 155 lbs, his coach Javier Mendez has already proposed the idea of Islam moving up once he clears out the current lightweight division. Mendez and Makhachev have already begun the long-term planning of Islam capturing Welterweight gold in the future.

In an interview with Submission Radio, Javier Mendez stated:

“I can 100% see that… And the reason why I see that is because Islam wishes that. And when he wishes that, he’s going to will it to happen. So, he’s going to train, he’s going to clear out the division like he wants to do, and then he is going to go for the welterweight title, and whoever that person at that particular time is going to be, I feel he’s going to beat.” – (h/t MMA Mania)

Makhachev’s goal of being the Welterweight champion has been in discussion since late 2021. Later on in the interview, coach Javier Mendez continued:

“He was like, ‘Yeah, what do you think?’ I said yeah, and it’s just like with Khabib (Nurmagomedov). I never heard Khabib talk anything about other than lightweight. That’s it. Khabib never said welterweight, middleweight. But in my eyes, what I’ve seen in my eyes in the gym for all the years I’ve had Khabib, Khabib could’ve been the lightweight, the welterweight and the middleweight champion, in my eyes.” – (h/t MMA Mania)

Islam Makhachev must start with win over Alexander Volkanovski

Makhachev must first tackle the obstacle in front of him which will be no small task. On Saturday February 11th, Islam will take on a super-fight, headlining UFC 284 with the Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski in Perth, Australia. While Volkanovski can make history and earn coveted double-champ status, Makhachev can retain his undisputed Lightweight title and continue his reign over the Lightweight Division.

In one of the biggest fights in UFC history, Makhachev will be put to the test against the #1 Pound-for-Pound fighter in the world, Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev and his coach Mendez’ plans are for a future at Welterweight, but this matchup at UFC 284 must not be overlooked.

Do you think Islam has a future as the 170 champ? Can he get through Volkanovski first in his quest for greatness?