The UFC 284 main event between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski was a fight for the ages. The contest to determine the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC lived up to its expectations. After putting his belt on the line for a shot at the pound-for-pound #1 spot, Makhachev did enough to defeat Volkanovski on the scorecards.
However, Volkanovski left the RAC Arena having lost only the fight. The Australian showed true grit and skill to push Makhachev to the limits. In the aftermath of the fight, many acknowledged “The Great” Volkanovski for the fighter that he is.
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Regardless, one UFC star believes that Volkanovski’s well-deserved praises have cast a shadow over the impressive performance Makhachev put on at UFC 284.
Following in the footsteps of his teammate and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has won the UFC lightweight title. Now he has beaten the pound-for-pound king in his own backyard and is waiting to see his name atop the pound-for-pound list.
Meanwhile, the Dagestani took a lot of damage and looked human, perhaps for the first time in his UFC career. His opponent neutralized his famed Dagestani grappling and did not let him impose his will. As such, many fans argued that while Makhachev beat Volkanovski on the cards, he does not deserve the pound-for-pound #1 spot for that performance.
With Volkanovski’s performance grabbing all the attention, UFC lightweight prospect Terrance McKinney has a different opinion.
McKinney credited Islam Makhachev for UFC 284 performance
Terrance McKinney’s opinion is that Volkanovski’s strong performance is taking away from the due credit for Makhachev’s skills. The 31-year-old survived some difficult situations and found success against Volkanovski in the striking department.
The 28-year-old lightweight credited his division’s champions for his striking skills. He wrote, “I’ve seeing a lot of credit given for Alex’s grappling defense, I believe Islam also deserves some credit for how sharp is striking really is he’s the only person I ever seen rock alex def watching it again today I loved the fight.”
I’ve seeing a lot of credit given for Alex’s grappling defense, I believe Islam also deserves some credit for how sharp is striking really is he’s the only person I ever seen rock alex def watching it again today I loved the fight
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 12, 2023
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Volkanovski has a reputation for being one of the most prolific strikers in the sport. The 34-year-old has decimated the likes of Max Holloway in dominant performances to prove his skills.
Makhachev delivered more damage to Volkanovski than most of his previous opponents. He even rocked him a few times and dropped him once. Therefore, McKinney’s argument is not without merit.
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Both Volkanovski and Makhachev came prepared to match each other strengths. Who do you think did it better? Do you agree with McKinney’s claim that Makhachev’s striking deserves more credit? Let us know in the comments below.