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UFC 284: Pros react to Islam Makhachev edging out Alexander Volkanovski to retain

By Thomas Albano

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Alex Volkanovski of Australia battles Islam Makhachev of Russia in the UFC lightweight championship fight during UFC 284 at RAC Arena on February 12, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Alex Volkanovski of Australia battles Islam Makhachev of Russia in the UFC lightweight championship fight during UFC 284 at RAC Arena on February 12, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) /
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See how fellow fighters reacted to Islam Makhachev getting the nod from the judges over Alexander Volkanovski in their UFC 284 superfight.

In what will go down as a fight that lived up to its hype, and what should finish a top fight for 2022, Islam Makhachev scored a decision win over featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski to retain the UFC lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 284.

Volkanovski started this fight by keeping his distance, looking to just come in when able to land an attack and avoid being taken down. Volkanovski cracked Makhachev a couple of minutes into the round, but Makhachev got the better of him in exchange the next minute, clinching Volkanovski against the cage. Makhachev would score the takedown late in the first and went for a face crank, though Volkanovski didn’t seem bothered by it and worked through it.

Volkanovski worked Makhachev’s body early in round two and scored another shot to the head, but Makhachev countered by grabbing a leg and scoring another takedown. Volanovski countered another takedown, getting to his feet quickly. Makhachev backed Volkanovski up with a left hand and a knee. The two ended the round in a Thai clinch against the cage.

Makhachev landed another takedown attempt about halfway through the third round, but Volanovski seemed to have the more effective striking to make it a very close round. Makhachev dominated the fourth round with his grappling — albeit he seemingly could have done a better job with his work — before Volkanovski’s striking helped him lead the fifth round.

Ultimately, all three judges’ scorecards went in Makhachev’s favor, with two 48-47 scores and one 49-46.

UFC 284: Pros react to Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski

This fight marked Makhachev’s first defense of the UFC lightweight title since claiming it in a fight with Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October.

Volkanovski moved up in weight and challenged for the 155-pound title after four successful defenses of the UFC featherweight crown. Volkanovski captured the 145-pound title with a win over Max Holloway at UFC 245. Since then, he’s defended the belt twice more in rematches with Holloway, as well as one time each against Brian Ortega and “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung.

Next. UFC 284: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski results [UPDATED]. dark

UFC 284: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski takes place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, live from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.

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