PERTH, Australia – Alexander Volkanovski was more durable than Islam Makhachev expected.
Lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) was confident that he could knock out featherweight champ Volkanovski (25-2 MMA, 12-1 UFC) in this past Saturday’s UFC 284 headliner at RAC Arena, but he wasn’t able to. Makhachev did retain his title, though, beating Volkanovski by decision in a back-and-forth battle.
Although he didn’t get the knockout, Makhachev showed vast improvement standing as he stumbled Volkanovski a few times.
“I told all media I’m going to try knock him out,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I landed many good punches, good knees, but this guy is so strong.”
Prior to UFC 284, Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez, dubbed him as the most well rounded lightweight of all time. While Volkanovski thinks Makhachev undermined his grappling, he admits he underestimated Makhachev’s striking.
“I always believe my striking,” Makhachev said. “I have good skills. I have good coaches in my team: coach Javier, coach Muhammad, and all my corners. You know, the best in the world. I know my skills. That’s why I try to knock him out, but this guy’s so strong. I landed many good punches, many good knees, but he still fighting. I give him big cut, but this guy is a real champion.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 284.
