UFC 284: Islam Makhachev crowned new pound-for-pound king

Islam Makhachev Post-Fight Press Conference | UFC 284

Islam Makhachev defeated featherweight champion Alexander “the Great” Volkanovski by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 284 last weekend to retain his lightweight title, with official tallies showing scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 in favor of Makahchev.

Previously, after the main event at UFC 280, where Makhachev won over Charles Oliviera by submission, Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov, who had been training Makhachev since retiring from fighting, took the microphone and said they would fly to Australia to fight Volkanovski.

Nurmagomedov later announced another retirement before the bout, this time from coaching. Even though Nurmagomedov was not physically present with Makhachev in Perth, he said that the retired UFC legend still assisted him by constantly being in touch, sending messages, checking on his weight and asking about his training regimen.

As Makhachev has trained with Nurmagomedov since he picked up martial arts, the 31-year-old has been compared to the undefeated former champion, especially since the Dagestanis share a similar fighting style.

UFC News

2023-02-12 05:53

#UFC284 Official Scorecards: Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) vs Alexander Volkanovski See every judges’ scorecard from #UFC284 here ➡️: https://t.co/enKup6T3NK https://t.co/5DJgiyxJdU

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However, on Saturday, Makhachev showed that he was not a carbon copy of Nurmagomedov, the son of the late coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. To everyone’s surprise, Makhachev showed an advanced skill of striking — against his usual strategy of taking his opponents down into “the deep waters,” as prevented by Volkanovski’s stubbornness.

While Nurmagomedov would use standup to force his way into position for a takedown, Makhachev demonstrated he could hold his own without relying on grappling. Volkanovski admitted that he had underestimated Makahachev’s striking and, likewise, Makahachev had underestimated his grappling, as evidenced by, arguably, an evenly five-round match.

“You like or you don’t like, I am best fighter in the world right now,”

Islam Makhachev, UFC Lightweight Champion

With the win, Makahchev retained his belt and claimed the pound-for-pound king title. He will now wait for his next opponent at lightweight, while Volkanovski will return to the weight class he has dominated since 2019.

Volkanovski has been unstoppable at featherweight, with four victories against the greatest champions that came before him, including three over Max “Blessed” Holloway and one over José “Junior” Aldo.

“You featherweights better f***ing watch out,” the Australian said.

UFC

2023-02-12 06:16

Opponents for 25 minutes Partners in history forever 👏 #UFC284 https://t.co/4wICW3XpTO

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