MMA: Islam Makhachev retains his throne at lightweight against Alexander Volkanovski

Russian Islam Makhachev retained his UFC lightweight champion title against Australian Alexander Volkanovski on Sunday, February 12, 2023. © AAP Image via REUTERS

Text by: Valentin Berg Follow

2 mins

Russian Islam Makhachev defeated Australian featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 284 on Sunday (February 12th) in Perth.

He retains his lightweight title after a massive fight against his current biggest rival. 

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You will have to be very solid to go and dethrone Islam Makhachev.

The 31-year-old Russian defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title for the first time,

.

He defeated the Australian Alexander Volkanovski, the current featherweight champion, after a huge fight won on points by unanimous decision, this Sunday, February 12 in Perth.

Volkanovski, who was fighting in a room fully committed to his cause, was seeking a double belt by facing the Russian.

But the step was a little too high, and he failed to become the fifth double champion – in two different categories – in UFC history.

The Dagestani's victory over his biggest rival at the top of the league allows him to overtake Volkanovski in the standings and become the best fighter in the UFC.

He also remains on a 12-win streak and has only had one loss, dating back to 2015, in 24 total UFC fights.

THE NEW P4P #1 IN THE WORLD!!

🏆@MakhachevMMA has defeated Alex Volkanovski by unanimous decision!

#UFC284 pic.twitter.com/zpqyy7HKZ6

— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023

Makhachev, conqueror and strategist

The Russian, ultra-conquering on the ground phases, however had to quickly review his plans against the very good defense of Volkanovski, who was able to resist him in his favorite exercise.

Not enough to disconcert Makhachev, who changed strategy: he applied himself to wearing out his opponent in " 

 ", the standing combat phases.

Undaunted, the student of legend Khabib Nurmagomedov pushed his opponent to his limits by still managing four

in total.

Cornered, the Australian revolted during the fifth and final round by unleashing huge blows that could have tipped the judges' opinion in his favor.

But Makhachev's science of combat had already done its work and the verdict was already sealed.

“ 

 ,” the Russian said after the fight.

This fight 🤯 #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/xYLMGrrzX0

— UFC France (@UFCFRA) February 12, 2023

For his part, Alexander Volkanovski will certainly defend his featherweight belt against the Mexican Yair Rodríguez, his runner-up in the category.

“

 ,” the Aussie said.

It is therefore surely not the last shock which will oppose the two warriors at the top of the UFC.

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