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Islam Makhachev defeats Alexander Volkanovski in the pound-for-pound battle at UFC 284.
Russian professional mixed martial artist Islam Makhachev defeated Australian Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 284 edition.
In a battle for the number one pound-for-pound spot, Makhachev needed all five rounds to record a unanimous decision victory against Volkanovski in the early hours of Sunday, February 12, 2023.
Makhachev coming into the fight was the champion of the UFC lightweight division while Volkanovski held the featherweight title.
Volkanovski and Makhachev were rated first and second pound for pound in the UFC respectively and took to the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia to decide who is the best.
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Makhachev defeats Volkanovski
Volkanovski moved up to compete at lightweight not only to settle the pound-for-pound debate but also two become champion in two divisions.
The Australian has a huge size disadvantage which was visible as they exchanged strikes on the feet from the opening bell to set up a tense beginning.
In their first big exchange of the fight, Makhachev came out on top as Volkanovski got dropped briefly by a left hook.
Makhachev tried to get a face crank submission but Volkanovski defended well to see out the round.
On a takedown by Makhachev, Volkanovski produced a great punch to hurt the Russian as he resorted to defense for the rest of the round.
Volkanovski was going to the body and bruising up the legs but Makhachev was pulling away after two rounds.
The third round was the best for Volkanovski as Makhachev landed some good knees in the clinch and looked to take down his rival.
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Heading into the championship rounds, Volkanovski started to force the action as they exchanged punches on the ground.
In the fifth round, Makhachev landed a great knee to stop Volkanovski's pressure. However, the Australian dropped Makhahcev late as finished with some big punches.
After five rounds, the judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in Makhachev's favor.
Makhachev retains his lightweight title and becomes the number one ranked pound-for-pound in the UFC.
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