![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-12-at-11.49.28.jpeg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-12-at-11.49.28.jpeg?width=600)
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski was one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent UFC history. The two fighters were considered to be among the best in their respective weight classes, and the fight promised to be a thrilling showdown between two elite athletes. Islam Makhachev won the fight via unanimous decision. However, many fans still believe that Volkanovski deserved the win.
Months after the fight, people are still talking about it, but not for the reasons you might think. Along with discussing the epic battle that took place in the octagon, fans are talking about the controversy that surrounded the fight offstage.
Chael Sonnen reveals Craig Jones’s side of the story about Islam Makhachev’s IV controversy
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Recently, Chael Sonnen revealed some interesting information about what happened backstage after the fight. Sonnen explained that Islam Makhachev approached Craig Jones, Volkanovski‘s grappling coach, and heckled him about his inability to finish a choke. Jones responded by reminding Makhachev that he had his opponent’s back during the fight and still couldn’t finish the choke. This interaction seemed harmless enough, but it would have far-reaching consequences.
Later that night, news about Makhachev’s alleged IV usage reached Volkanvoski’s team. This changed mood in Volkanovski‘s camp changed instantly. Though they didn’t explain why, they were suddenly much less friendly towards Makhachev and his team.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1024195779s.jpeg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
UFC 284 PERTH, Alex Volkanovski L of Australia and Islam Makhachev of Russia during their Lightweight title bout at UFC 284 at RAC Arena in Perth, Sunday, February 12, 2023. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRICHARDxWAINWRIGHTx 20230212001762834424
“In that moment of emotion, Craig said everything was cool backstage, everybody was happy. It was at that moment that the text came in about the nurse and the IV. So Craig said this spread around Volkanovski’s team instantly and all of a sudden the mood changed.”
Coincidentally, it was Dan Hooker’s birthday that day. After the fight, as the fighters celebrated Hooker’s birthday, this IV news got in Hooker’s ears. Dan Hooker was the one who eventually broke out the news of Islam Makhachev taking an IV. “Through the course of celebration, Hooker decided against staying quiet about it and brought this to the world.”
Islam Makhachev’s IV Controversy
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shortly after Islam Makhachev’s win against Alexander Volkanovski, Dan Hooker tweeted about Islam Makhachev using IV injections before his fight. IV intake falls in the grey area under USADA and UFC rules. While IV is a banned substance, its usage can be exempted under some circumstances.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1024200028h.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Imago
February 12, 2023, Perth, Perth, Australia, Australia: PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: L-R Alex Volkanovski controls the body of Islam Makhachev in their Lightweight title fight during the UFC 284 event at Rac Arena on February 12, 2023 in Perth, Australia. Perth Australia – ZUMAp175 20230212_zsa_p175_112 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
There has been no official development over this issue. However, some fans have been criticizing Makhachev for his alleged IV usage. But at the same time, others are defending the lightweight champ.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story –Khabib Reacts To Manchester City Stars
The Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski fight was one of the biggest fights in recent UFC history. But it will be remembered more for the controversy that surrounded it than for the fight itself.