UFC 284: Islam Makhachev defends tough belt against Alexander Volkanovski

On the  pound-for-pound ranking,  Volkanovski is holding the No. 1 position. However, in tomorrow's match, he is still underrated when stepping on the playing field of opponent Islam Makhachev. In return, Volkanovski will have the support of the home audience when UFC 284 is held in Perth, Australia.

Before the competition, Alexander Volkanovski owned a 12-match winning streak in the UFC. Islam Makhachev, after defeating Charles Oliveira to take the throne, also recorded 11 consecutive wins, making this the match with the largest total of two winning streaks in UFC history - 23 fights.

In addition to the main fight, UFC 284 witnessed the fight for the interim featherweight title between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett. The winner will have a chance to unify the title once Alexander Volkanovski returns to featherweight to perform his duties.

Fearing boxers to explore during the first 2 minutes of the match, Makhachev only launched a round kick while Volkanovski mainly moved to find opportunities to close.

Volkanovski had the first remarkable Makhachev knockback with an accurate straight punch that made the whole RAC Arena lively. The next switch was in Makhachev's favor when he had two hooks in a row that stunned Volkanovski.

Makhachev pushed the opponent to the corner with a bear hug, the first takedown was successfully performed by Makhachev, followed by a take back. Makhachev used a neck crank but it was still unsuccessful, the advantage was in favor of Dagestan in the first round.

Volkanovski actively approached with continuous attacks, he repelled Makhachev but was quickly caught by his opponent shortly after. Volkanovski got up successfully, but the game continued to return to the clinch position. Makhachev continuously had 2 situations on the pillow to repel Volkanovski, before being forced to the corner by the opponent. Round 2 is over.

Makhachev took advantage of each situation Volkanovski rushed in to use clinch and quick knee attacks. Breaking the turret, right hook when changing attack from Volkanovski, the Australian boxer started to enter faster before Makhachev had a successful 3rd hit. Makhachev's slip situation helped Volkanovski speed up the match in the last seconds. same round 3.

In the fourth round, Makhachev faced more physical challenges from Volkanovski - who was used to playing 5 rounds in recent matches. The Australian puncher actively launched quick jab combos combined with right-handed punches.

Makhachev was very quick to have a double-leg takedown situation and catch the opponent's back. Volkanovski tried to break out of the body triangle while throwing a series of punches at Makhachev in the back.

Makhachev had a straight punch and two consecutive knee hits, but couldn't pin Volkanovski to the floor after the next knock. Volkanovski continued to get up successfully after the second knock of the 5th round, even successfully pulling the opponent to the floor. Volkanovski finished the match with a series of ground-and-pound shots while pinning his opponent to the floor.

At the end of the match, Islam Makhachev won closely with a score of 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 over Alexander Volkanovski, preserving the title of lightweight champion. A tough match for the Dagestan puncher as he struggled to keep points ahead of his opponent.