First Khabib and now another Dagestan tiger is not stopping roaring, Islam Makhachev claimed another victory by beating home favourite Alexander Volkanovski.
In Perth, Australia, on Sunday, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight world title by outlasting Alexander Volkanovski on the feet and on the ground to win a unanimous decision.
The UFC promoted the battle as the first-ever encounter between Makhachev, the number two-ranked fighter, and Volkanovski, their current pound-for-pound champion.
Alexander Volkanovski aimed to end Islam Makhachev’s winning streak at UFC 284.
Volkanovski, who has dominated the featherweight division since capturing the title in 2019, was moving up to lightweight in the hopes of becoming the sixth simultaneous double UFC champion, joining Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudo.
In contrast, Makhachev with a roaring attitude wore a serious, focused expression as he was booed as he exited the ring. At the same time, Volkanovski was greeted with a raucous round of applause by the Australians inside the RAC Arena.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s coach, mentor, and former UFC lightweight champion, stepped away from the sport in January, thus Makhachev was fighting without him.
Makhachev’s roar struck back Volkanovski’s home advantage
Approximately halfway through the round, Makhachev’s roar had his first noteworthy moment when Volkanovski was startled with a punch that showed the disparity in strength before he was taken down and the round came to a close.
Makhachev used Volkanovski with quick left hands and takedown attempts while utilising his range to his advantage.
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Volkanovski finished the fight in a commanding position, pinning Makhachev to the ground after displaying outstanding takedown defence early on.
Everyone along the side of the octagon rose to their feet to applaud both combatants’ displays as the bell rang, and both boxers stood up and raised their arms in victory.
As a consequence, Makhachev extended his personal 12-fight UFC victory streak, which is now the longest in the company, and halted Volkanovski’s 12-fight streak.
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