Full Fight Video Highlights: Makhachev edges out Volkanovski to retain title at UFC 284

Benny A. King

Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champ, looked to make history by capturing two belts at UFC 284, facing Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champ. Only three combatants in UFC history ever achieved such a feat.

The #1 and #2-ranked pound-for-pounds in the UFC were set to duke it out, making this rare encounter an exciting one. Makhachev is considered by many as the next Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite the partisan crowd at the RAC Arena, Makhachev came out to defend his lightweight title, putting up a tough front.

In the early stages, Volkanovski received cheers from the crowd as he frequently switched stances, while Makhachev remained outside. Makhachev was rocked by a right hand roughly two minutes in, but Volkanovski stayed calm and patient, refusing to charge in recklessly. In the later part of the round, Makhachev turned up the heat. He landed a head kick, which Volkanovski ate, and then took him down, taking the back in a scene reminiscent of Khabib vs. McGregor or Khabib vs. Poirier.

Volkanovski started the round with more stance switches but was stationary. Closing the distance, he landed a combination that hurt Makhachev, but an error in judgment gave Makhachev the opportunity to take him down. Volkanovski managed to get back up but was taken down again. The Australian fought back and managed to put some distance between them.

In the early stages, both landed kicks and knees in the clinch. Volkanovski wobbled Makhachev with a leg kick, while Makhachev retaliated with a kick to the body. The round ended with both tied up along the fence.

The two exchanged blows at the start of the round, with Makhachev landing a left and Volkanovski firing a combination. Makhachev then landed a takedown, and Volkanovski struggled to get up. Makhachev took his back and had a body lock on tight. Although he never came close to finishing Volkanovski, Makhachev maintained his position and received a warning from the referee for putting his fingers in Volkanovski’s gloves.

Both showed remarkable skill and resilience, making it a tough decision to call. The crowd’s cheers for Volkanovski in the early stages of the were deafening, but as the rounds went on, Makhachev proved himself to be a worthy opponent. Despite his best efforts, Volkanovski could not make history by capturing two belts.