No fighter or athlete wants there to be an asterisk against one of their wins. A tainted win opens the door for critics to question whether that win is legitimate. And that is exactly what happened to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev‘s win against UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 earlier this year.

Makhachev was declared the winner via a unanimous decision, but many, including commentator Joe Rogan, felt that the Aussie had beaten the lightweight champion and should have walked out as a double champion. Such opinions are par for the course with close fights. Some feel one fighter won because of certain reasons, while others think the other won due to a different reason. But what really cast a shadow on his win were the allegations of cheating that dogged him after the fight.

Islam Makhachev accused of cheating during Alexander Volkanovski’s bout at UFC 284

After the bout, Dan Hooker, Alexander Volkanovski’s teammate and fellow lightweight, said Makhachev utilized intravenous (IV) treatment to rehydrate after the weigh-ins. This is prohibited by USADA, the UFC’s (then) anti-doping partner. Hooker claimed to have evidence of Makhachev’s IV usage and chastised USADA for doing nothing about it.

Islam Makhachev’s team, including coach and childhood friend Khabib Nurmagomedov, categorically denied the allegations and reiterated that the Dagestani had won the bout fair and square. They pointed out that Makhachev had passed all drug tests. They even argued that ‘Volk’ was actually heavier than the lightweight champion on fight night.

USADA has not officially commented on these allegations, nor has an investigation or inquiry been ordered. Given this, it seems Makhachev is in the clear. If the Dagestani had been found guilty of the violation, he would have faced a two-year suspension and lost his title.

Alexander Volkanovski to rematch Islam Makhachev at UFC 294

In perhaps the most-awaited fight in the UFC, Alexander Volkanovski will take on Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. And the fight may be a career-defining bout for men. ‘Volk’ will have another shot at becoming double-champ in a few days at UFC 294.

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A Makhachev win will have made it clear that he is the best fighter at lightweight and featherweight before he takes on the middleweight champion for his own shot at becoming a double champion. And fans could not be more excited. Who do you think will win the fight? Let us know in the comments!

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