UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, is truly one of a kind. While an established lightweight superstar like Charles Oliveira fell prey to Islam Makhachev, Alex gave Islam a run for his money. From knocking him down to landing some tremendous ground and pound, Volkanovski put on the performance of a lifetime. But he ultimately lost via judges’ decision at UFC 284.
The unanimous decision win for Makhachev saw the judges scoring the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. However, many fans did not agree with the decision at all! Some even went as far as to call the decision a robbery. However, looking at the stats of the fight, that is certainly not the case. The bout was incredibly close and Alexander Volkanovski wants a rematch.
The full #UFC284 main event scorecards 📝 pic.twitter.com/zCx1YmqcFb
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
However, the feeling might be mutual. Volkanovski addressed the journalists after the fight and dropped a huge bomb. Alex revealed that he rewatched the fight in the back and feels he can do much better. But what he said afterward, has become a huge talking point.
He said, “I watched the fight anyway. I watched the fight and see what it was like. I’m hearing that he was saying, I heard it which is why I could be wrong, that he was going back to his corner saying he wants a rematch because he thought he lost. So that’s funny.”
Islam Makhachev rubbishes Alexander Volkanovski’s claim about their UFC 284 fight
Islam Makhachev had an incredibly hard fight against Alexander Volkanovski. With many disputes about the result, it will not be controversial to say that it was the hardest fight of his career so far! So what are his thoughts on the fight? Fans are also curious to know what he makes of Alexander Volkanovski’s comments. To nobody’s surprise, he shot down Alex’s claims.
Makhachev said, “This is not true, I don’t say that I’m a loser. I know like in my mind when the fight is finished, I know minimum I won three rounds. I don’t say I’m lose nothing.”
As per UFC stats, Islam thoroughly out-grappled Volkanovski. Out of the total 25 minutes, Islam controlled the bout on the ground for 7:37 minutes. Their striking differential was also very close in the first three rounds. So Islam’s claims of winning 3 rounds sound perfectly accurate. However, there is no denying that Volkanovski could have ended the fight in the last round.
After the fight ended, Islam got a call from his friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Even Khabib hinted that Islam’s performance at UFC 284 was not his best. So what does his American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez have to say about it? While Mendez concedes that the fight was incredibly tough, he also rubbished the rumor.
Javier Mendez added, “It has to be a misunderstanding. I don’t feel Islam thought he lost that fight. You know he definitely knew he was in a war, that’s for darn sure. I mean this is his toughest test to date, that is for sure.”
What are your thoughts on the fight? Do you think Islam Makhachev was the rightful winner? Or was Alexander Volkanovski robbed? Let us know in the comments down below.