The admiration of experts, the dissatisfaction of Volkanovski and the lack of Nurmagomedov: what was said after the triumphant defense of Makhachev

The victory of Islam Makhachev over Alexander Volkanovski in the title fight at the UFC 284 tournament has become one of the most discussed events of the day.

The Russian got the better of his opponent by unanimous decision of the judges, however, as is sometimes the case in mixed martial arts, their verdict was questioned.

So, even at a press conference, the Australian hinted that he did not quite agree with the defeat.

He noted that the opponent was not as strong as expected.

“Yes, it was a close fight.

There's nothing you can do about it.

The judges rated it that way.

But I expected to win.

These consolations give me nothing.

In some positions I could do a lot more.

It’s a pity that I didn’t manage to show everything that I could, ”Volkanovski said.

He added that he was ready for a second fight if Makhachev agreed.

A few hours later, Alex briefly described his impressions of watching the recording of the fight on social networks.

“I think that I definitely won the second, third and fifth rounds.

I'm surprised they didn't raise my hand!

Let's get revenge, anywhere, anytime!"

— wrote the Australian fighter.

Makhachev, during a press conference, did not dismiss the possibility of revenge, but at the same time stressed that he had no doubts about his own victory.

“I definitely won three rounds.

Yes, there were many small mistakes.

I gave him a little work in the rack.

He has an unusual stance, unusual strikes.

Now there is such a discussion, as if they expected an easy victory from me, but it did not happen.

But this was not a kid from the street, this is the best fighter in the world.

This is why it's such a tough fight.

I fully agree with the decision, I am satisfied.

I will get a lot of benefit from this fight, ”said the Russian.

He noted that long before the battle he understood: there would be no easy walk.

“Watch his fights.

He is a real champion, he fights to the end, to the last second, no matter how the fight goes.

I was ready for a tough fight.

I showed that I can fight in the stand.

Everyone was expecting a fight from me, and I decided to try in the stand, ”said Islam.

A native of Dagestan emphasized how much he missed Khabib Nurmagomedov in his coaching corner.

The ex-UFC champion called Makhachev immediately after the fight and was one of the first to congratulate him on his victory, but also made several critical remarks in hot pursuit.

“He called and said right away: “When he took his back, why didn’t he try to go upstairs?”

I just now thought: Volkanovski went to this side, why didn’t I think ... well, such hints are needed.

100%, Khabib's role in the corner is invaluable.

This is a person who knows a lot of things,” Makhachev said.

Nurmagomedov congratulated his colleague on the triumph not only personally, but also publicly.

"Simply the best.

He proved it in a hard-fought, competitive fight against the best current fighter on the planet.

There is always something to work on.

But this story will remain for a long time in this sport, ”he wrote on the social network.

At the same time, some experts, as well as well-known fighters, expressed doubts about Makhachev's victory.

So, UFC commentator Joe Rogan said on his podcast that he was confident in the advantage of Volkanovski 3-2 in rounds.

And former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier called the decision of the judges weak.

3-2 - Volkanovski didn't lose anything today.

He fought better than anyone in his place could.

He is the best fighter regardless of weight class.

By the way, the fight turned out to be good, ”wrote the American.

And Nate Diaz spoke rather rudely about Makhachev.

First, even before the announcement of the judges' scores, the American posted on Twitter congratulations on Volkanovski's victory, and a few minutes later left a new comment.

“Oh yes, Islam took the bait,” wrote Diaz.

Makhachev, when asked about this line, only laughed and suggested that Nate was "high again" before watching the fight.

A lot of dissatisfied comments gathered on social networks and from ordinary fans, but Belal Muhammad answered their indignation clearly and to the point.

“Fans are always dissatisfied: at first, Islam fights too much for them ... now he wins in the standing position, but they are still dissatisfied,” the American expressed his opinion.

In turn, Henry Cejudo admired the level of the last fight.

“It was one of the most competitive fights in the history of sports,” wrote the American athlete.

According to AMC Fight Nights champion Dmitry Bikrev, Makhachev took the fight unconditionally, and Volkanovski did not show anything surprising in the stand.

“Of course, the picture was spoiled by a hit in the fifth round, but it did not affect the course of the fight.

Volkanovski left a good impression, but nothing more.

Yes, he got up after transfers, but Makhachev was behind him a lot and showed the level, ”RB Sport quotes the athlete.

According to him, the Russian fighter felt a little uncomfortable due to the fact that the fight took place in the opponent's homeland.

“It seems to me that Islam was pressed by the responsibility that you can lose to a shorty in Australia.

I think that’s why not everything went according to his plan and Volkanovski failed to finish, ”added Bikrev.

In turn, the president of AMC Fight Nights, Kamil Gadzhiev, called the fight equal, and Makhachev's victory was mathematical.

“The one who now says that Alex won, probably mainly appeals to the second and third rounds, with which everything is not so clear.

These people have a right to an opinion.

Now it is impossible to argue with those who will say that Volkanovski won the second, third and fifth rounds.

They saw it that way.

I saw that Islam won the first and fourth rounds, the second and third were fairly equal with a slight margin in his direction, and he definitely lost the fifth round, ”Sport-Express promoter quotes.

Some experts admitted after the fight that they were afraid of biased decisions of the judges, especially after the fight of Zubaira Tukhugov, where the victory was given to his opponent.

“Volkanovski fought in his homeland.

Knowing the inadequacy of refereeing in the UFC and that politics is directly related to sports, I thought that Islam needed to win without question, otherwise Volkanovski would be given the victory in a close fight.

But this time everything turned out to be in order with their heads, ”Ramazan Ismailov, brother and coach of Magomed Ismailov, spoke on this topic.

ASA vice-president Aslanbek Badaev also said that he would not be surprised if the victory was given to Volkanovski.

“Yes, Islam won, but it was a close fight.

Given the fact where the battle took place, they could well have done so.

With all the advantages of Islam, there were also disadvantages.

We saw that his wrestling game was not perfect, ”said the representative of the promotion.