Islam Makhachev Admits He Got Overwhelmed by “Short” Alexander Volkanovski’s Physical Strength at UFC 284(Video): “Big Experience for Me”

 The spectacular match between the lightweight champion and the featherweight champion at UFC 284 is finally over.  Audience who witnessed Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski go at it surely were at the edge of their seats. The Australian crowd backing their homeboy made the fight all the more exciting.

Since the fight was confirmed, both champions were quite confident regarding their victory. However, in the battle for the best pound-for-pound fighter and the lightweight title, it was Islam Makhachev who triumphed. He successfully retained the UFC lightweight championship.

If Volkanovski had won the fight; he would have made history by becoming the lightweight and featherweight champion simultaneously. It was evident during the fight that ‘The Great ‘ tried his best to do the same. However, he lost the bout via a unanimous decision. During the post-fight press conference, Makhachev also complimented the Australian on his strength and mental toughness.

Islam Makhachev praises Alexander Volkanovski

Makhachev was talking to the press after his victory against the featherweight champion. When the fight went to a decision, it was difficult for anyone to predict who the winner would be, considering how close their fight was. The two champions stood neck-to-neck, and the three judges scored 48–47, 48–47, and 49–46 in favor of Makhachev. 

The UFC star had some visible minor injuries on his face. When asked about his opinion of the fight and his opponent, Makhachev said, “This guy so strong. He always try to push you and his style, you know, little bit different. How he move like fast and how he strong. He improve a lot in the ground, of the defence but it was good fight. For sure, it was a big experience for me.”

The close fight that could spark a rematch

The fight between the two can be called one of the best fights in the history of the UFC. Before their clash at UFC 284, Makhachev’s record was 23 victories and a single loss, and Volkanovski had a record of 25-1. Hence, it should have been clearer earlier that the fight was going to be a closely contested affair than the lopsided clash fans predicted it to be.

READ MORE: Alexander Volkanovski Reveals Islam Makhachev Admitted Defeat to Him & Asked for a Rematch “Because He Thought He Lost”

Soon after the fight, the Australian UFC star also talked to the media. He said that he is looking for a rematch, as he doesn’t consider the fact that he lost the fight completely. Furthermore, he stated how he outdid Makhachev in three rounds. However, Volkanovski agreed that he was not able to utilize his skills fully during the fight. Nonetheless, as mentioned by his opponent, Makhachev himself, Volk once again proved that he has a unique fighting style that is quite remarkable.

Are you interested in the duo running it back in the future? Who do you think will win that clash? Let us know in the comments below.

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