UFC 284's main event between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski for the lightweight championship had the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, buzzing from start to finish Saturday.
Both fighters put forth a valiant effort, as the match was decided by the judges after five rounds. According to ESPN Stats & Information, it was the second time Makhachev went to the championship rounds in his career, the eighth time for Volkanovski.
The fifth and final round provided an exceptional finish to what was a thrilling fight.
I don't think I've ever wanted a sixth round more in my life.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 12, 2023
I thought it was closer, but this was truly a fight where no one lost. #UFC284
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) February 12, 2023
Respect 🤝 @MAKHACHEVMMA @alexvolkanovski
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 12, 2023
That was one of the most competitive fights in the history of the sport 🔥🔥🔥 #UFC284
WOW!! These guys are both so good. If Islam gets this done in Volk's country, that's quite a statement. #UFC284 @MAKHACHEVMMA @alexvolkanovski
— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 12, 2023
WOW... helluva fight! Two warriors.🙌🏽
— Kyler Murray (@K1) February 12, 2023
OH MY GODDDDDD🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#UFC284
— 🦅MaddMaxx🦅 (@CrosbyMaxx) February 12, 2023
Great main card at #UFC284 pure class from Volk and Islam.
— Lᴀᴡʀᴇɴᴄᴇ Tʏɴᴇs (@lt4kicks) February 12, 2023
Volk gave him all he wanted, clearly the two best pound for pound in the UFC. #UFC
Makhachev emerged victorious via unanimous decision. It is Makhachev's 12th consecutive victory, which is now the longest active streak in the UFC. He improves to 24-1 overall and will likely obtain the No. 1 spot in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
Boxing star Devin Haney was among the stars who congratulated Makhachev on retaining his lightweight championship.
Congrats Islam!! Alhamdulillah 🤲🏽#UFC284
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) February 12, 2023
📞 @TeamKhabib calls @MakhachevMMA to congratulate him after #UFC284
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
Brothers forever. pic.twitter.com/F6NcKy5npE
Volk is an absolute stud! But tonight was Islam's night. What an incredible event! Thanks @ufc! #UFC284
— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 12, 2023
Now I'm just counting the sleeps til @JonnyBones & @ciryl_gane at #UFC285! TALK ABOUT #P4P!!! https://t.co/q0WccKXvR0
For Volkanovski, it ended a 12-fight win streak, which was the longest active streak in the UFC entering Sunday.
"He didn't respect my wrestling, grappling," Volkanovski said. "Maybe I didn't respect his striking enough, either. He landed some shots. Fair play to both of us."
The Australian fighter's record drops to 25-2 overall, but some thought Volkanovski did enough to secure the victory.
Did Volk bad bad
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) February 12, 2023
There's absolutely no way that was a unanimous decision. That's disgraceful. #UFC284
— Ryan Switzer (@Switz) February 12, 2023
Idc what happens Volk lb for lb shouldn't change. HE IS #1
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) February 12, 2023
49-46 is insane though
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) February 12, 2023
Congrats @alexvolkanovski 💯💯👊🏼
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) February 12, 2023
Respect 🫡 to @alexvolkanovski
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 12, 2023
After the loss, Volkanovski is expected to face newly crowned interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez.
