Islam Makhachev Edges Alex Volkanovski By Decision, Retains Title – UFC 284 Results (Highlights)

Makhachev beats Volkanovski over the distance.

Written by Christopher De Santiago
Last updated on February 12th, 2023
Makhachev 284
(via @ufc - Twitter)

One of the biggest fights of the year is here at UFC 284.

It’s champion vs. champion as Alexander Volkanovski moves up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev for a second UFC title. 

Round 1:

Both fighters are hesitant to strike in the first minute of their super-fight. Volkanovski lands a clean one-two which rocks Makhachev. Volkanovski and Makhachev trade punches in the pocket with Volkanovski getting hurt and going down to a knee momentarily. Makhachev clinches up with Volkanovski, looking for a takedown. Makhachev gets control of the featherweight champ’s back with both hooks in. Makhachev looks for a neck crank on Volkanovski in the last minute of the opening round. Volkanovski gets out of danger from the submission, smiling as the bell rings.

Round 2:

Volkanovski blitzes but isn’t able to land any clean punches on Makhachev. Volkanovski lands effective strikes on his second entry which leaves Makhachev dazed, but the Russian clinches up looking for ground control and he gets it. But Volkanovski quickly gets up and goes back to work, pushing Makhachev into the cage. They exit the clinch.

Makhachev hurts Volkanovski on the feet and the Australian is on the retreat. Makhachev pours on the pressure, keeping Volkanovski on the back foot. The round ends with Volkanovski pressing Makhachev against the chain links. 

Round 3:

Makhachev lands a headkick on Volkanovski. Makhachev clinches, trying to get some knees in to the body. They separate. Volkanovski lands a leg kick and then a nasty punch to the body. Volkanovski continues to work on the inside leg kick as it lands again. Makhachev shoots in for a takedown and Volkanovski stuffs it. Makhachev tries to seize the back of Volkanovski shows great defense in the grappling department.

Volkanovski cracks a few good punches on Makhachev. Makhachev lands a crisp left hand. Volkanovski lands a overhand right that trips up Makhachev for a moment. 

Round 4:

Volkanovski lands a leg kick. Volkanovski pushes out the jab. Makhachev catches Volkanovski with a good left hand. Makhachev beautifully times a takedown and gets the Australian down. Makhachev gets control of the back, wrapping him up in a body triangle. Volkanovski talks trash to Makhachev who hasn’t done much damage with his dominant position. Volkanovski is frustrated and keeps talking as he punches Makhachev while having him on his back.

Round 5:

Makhachev lands an incredible knee and follows up with a punch to the head of Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands an uppercut but Makhachev cuts Volkanovski’s face with a knee. Makhachev goes for a takedown but is unable to control Volkanovski on the ground. Makhachev scoops up the leg of Volkanovski, looking for another takedown. Volkanovski stuffs it with a sprawl and gets back up to his feet.

Volkanovski tries to get Makhachev to the ground twice, but is unable to both times. Volkanovski sits Makhachev with a massive right hand. Volkanovski gets top position on the ground and pounds away on Makhachev before the final bell sounds.

Official result: Islam Makhachev defeats Alex Volkanovski by unanimous decision (48-47 x2, 49-46)

Check out the highlights below:

 

Published on February 12, 2023 at 12:53 am
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Christopher De Santiago

Christopher De Santiago
Christopher De Santiago is a 22 year-old journalist out of Texas with years of experience covering MMA. Follow him on X: @chris_dsantiago Inquiries? Reach him at [email protected]

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