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
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
Despite losing to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284, Alexander Volkanovski has retained his #1 spot on the pound-for-pound rankings. The pair fought in a clash of champions over the weekend at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. After the five-round slugfest, the judges unanimously declared Makhachev the winner of the fight.
However, the latest pound-for-pound rankings leave Makhachev with only the win to his name. The lightweight champion put his title on the line for a shot at Volkanovski’s pound-for-pound ranking. All the marketing that was done around the fight also highlighted it as a battle for the pound-for-pound top spot.
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Now, neither fighter got what they hoped to achieve. Volkanovski did not get the second belt. Makhachev did not get the pound-for-pound #1 status.
There were many fans and pros who disagreed with the result of the fight. Even UFC commentator Joe Rogan openly stated that he had Volkanovski winning the fight. However, there were also those that argued Makhachev did just enough to get the judges’ nod.
Fans react to Alexander Volkanovski retaining P4P #1 spot
As news of the pound-for-pound rankings update broke, fans went into a frenzy again. Fans of both fighters rushed to defend the rankings in the comment sections under the tweet.
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia taunts Brian Ortega in between rounds during their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Leading MMA media personality John Morgan shared the latest ranking updates on Twitter. In his tweet, Morgan wrote Volkanovski retained his top spot despite the loss at UFC 284.
Alexander Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) remains the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighter despite his #UFC284 loss to lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.
In the latest official update, Volkanovski maintains his top spot, while Makhachev remains No. 2.
More: https://t.co/QN2w5NYJsC pic.twitter.com/JDp7MTCn21
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) February 14, 2023
Morgan also clarified that the post on UFC’s official Instagram page that declared Makhachev to be the pound-for-pound #1 came out before the updated rankings.
It's coming from the company that tabulates the rankings each week. That social media post was sent out before the official rankings were confirmed.
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) February 14, 2023
Morgan told another fan how the tabulation of votes worked. He mentioned that the UFC and the rankings registry operated on different schedules.
The UFC updates their rankings page on their own schedule. MMA Registry, the company that tabulates the votes, sends out the updated results each week once they are tabulated.
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) February 14, 2023
Volkanovski retaining his spot despite the loss set off many fans. One of them speculated that a rematch was on the horizon.
Oh yeah them Russians don’t take disrespect easy. Remember when they were playing around with giving a title shot to Khabib just to get Conor to take the fight with Eddie? We def getting the rematch right away.
— Alebongo "Bris Bross" The Frog🛰🌚👾 (@BrisFrog) February 14, 2023
Then what did they fight for? I believe it was "Lightweight title on the line, P4P #1 on the line." Seems really cheap that the winner walks away with half of what was put at stake.
— Captainfluffy25 🪶⏳🌿💎 (@CptFluffy25) February 14, 2023
They both fought at 155 lbs, literally met each other “pound for pound” on the scales, and Islam beat him unanimously…how does that make Islam #2 to him?
— JT (@CDanielorian97) February 14, 2023
So the fight was pointless for islam and he just took unnecessary damage
— ■Bola Joko (@muhdahm3d) February 14, 2023
However, there were fans who supported the decision as well. One of them said Volkanovski solidified his spot with the performance at UFC 284.
Yeah he solidified that even more in the fight.
— ron (@ExcitableRon) February 14, 2023
this is one of the very few rare times I agree with UFC ranking system. that's how I see Volkanovski as well, he lost the fight but in my eyes solidified his top P4P status since he started taking over the fight late and nearly finished it on the ground. he showed more skill imo
— ._. (@myoverhandleft) February 14, 2023
Nevertheless, there were more reactions trashing the decision to leave Volkanovski at the top.
lmfao that’s horrible from the analysts who make these ranking he beats him fair and square 3 rounds to 2 minimum and dosent take his pfp? that was the whole buildup to this fight 😂
— BEC ibrah (@Bosna48) February 14, 2023
These mean nothing lol number 2 beats number 1 and number 1 keeps his spot?😂
— Isaiah Hudson (@Isaiah__Hudson) February 14, 2023
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Fans and experts are still debating the fight and its result. This new rankings update will only fan the flames even more.
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What are your thoughts on the latest pound-for-pound rankings? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch This Story- UFC 284: Fighters react to Volkanovski vs. Makhachev controversial decision
