Alexander Volkanovski has claimed he beat Islam Makhachev after rewatching their UFC lightweight title fight.
Makhachev spoiled Volkanovski's hopes of becoming a double-champ as he defended his lightweight belt by unanimous decision at UFC 284 with scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46. Featherweight titleholder Volkanovski was moving up to lightweight for the first time in his UFC career and was unbeaten in 22 fights heading into the fight.
Fans have since labelled the decision a "robbery" as many feel that Volkanovski did enough to win the fight, a sentiment that is also held by the featherweight champion. "Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won [rounds] 2,3 and 5," he wrote. "Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime!"
All three judges scored the first two rounds for Makhachev, as the Russian was getting the better of Volkanovski in the early exchanges of the fight. Volkanovski had a good third round as he appeared to hurt Makhachev whilst the lightweight champion was taking him down, but this round was disputed by the three judges. Ben Cartlidge and David Lethaby both scored it in favour of Volkanovski but Derek Clearly gave the round to Volkanovski.
Makhachev unanimously won the fourth round after having Volkanovski in a body triangle for most of it whilst Volkanovski scored the only knockdown of the fight in the final round, with all three judges scoring that round for the Australian. Makhachev was confident when the decision was being read in the octagon, with the Russian believing he won every round of the fight apart from the fifth.
How did you score the fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments section below
"I prepared for a hard fight, in the last round he landed a good punch but all of the other rounds I won, in my opinion. After he landed the good shot in the last round, I went down and tried to get a triangle choke or armbar. First round I landed good shots many times but this guy is so strong, he always tries to push you," Makhachev told ESPN.
"I knew this was not going to be an easy fight, this guy was so strong but I beat him by unanimous decision, it was a great experience for me. I've never fought for five rounds so this was a big experience. My plan wasn't always to wrestle him, it was just a crazy and good fight."
