
via Imago
February 12, 2023, Perth, Perth, Australia, Australia: PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: R-L Islam Makhachev battles Alex Volkanovski 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_154 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx

via Imago
February 12, 2023, Perth, Perth, Australia, Australia: PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: R-L Islam Makhachev battles Alex Volkanovski 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_154 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
UFC 284 saw one of the top contenders for Fight of the Year. The battle between two champions lived up to the hype and ended with both fighters leaving with massive respect for one another. Furthermore, the winner of the night, Islam Makhachev, had one of the toughest fights of his career. To his content, he came out on top in a decision victory.
However, the UFC lightweight champion revealed what surprised him when he fought ‘The Great’ Alexander Volkanovski. The UFC featherweight champion showed grit and toughness during the fight. Recently, Makhachev revealed some of the aspects of UFC 284.
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Islam Makhachev reveals what surprised him at UFC 284
The Dagestani champion revealed in a recent interview some revelations he had in his first title defense. The UFC lightweight champion had a few surprises during the fight. He revealed, “First of all, the surprise when they bring us to the arena from early morning.”
Additionally, Makhachev explained, “This is a big surprise. Then when I warm up in the fighting room, I understand this is gonna be hard to fight because I know I don’t have same power like same weight and like my plan to this fight but all everybody told me ‘Hey you have to rest or you have to take him down.'”

via Imago
February 12, 2023, Perth, Perth, Australia, Australia: PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: R-L Islam Makhachev battles Alex Volkanovski 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_146 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
The UFC lightweight champion also added what he told the media about before the fight. He continued, “But honestly I told media too before this fight I want to take him down and I think this is not my big mistake like some mistake. I have more use wrestling, but doesn’t matter how I win, I have my belt.”
Makhachev‘s take on Volkanovski certainly changed after their fight in Australia. Moreover, he also had some words about the UFC featherweight champion.
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Makhachev revealed his game plan for his fight against Volkanovski
The 31-year-old said he didn’t want to disburse his power in the first round. He acknowledged Volkanovski‘s gas tank and experience over 5 rounds and fought accordingly. He also said that he was trying to move to find some good shots and successfully caught the Australian a couple of times.
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However, Makhachev revealed that although Volkanovski is “small” he has strength and a good “chin“. Furthermore, the Dagestani added that it was a good experience for him, as he never fought five rounds.
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What did you think of the match? Let us know in the comments below.
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