Islam Makhachev defied a rowdy crowd and a sustained challenge from Alexander Volkanovski on Sunday to cement his supremacy in the UFC lightweight division in a grueling fight in Perth, Western Australia.
In the main event of UFC 284, Makhachev defended his 155-pound belt with an unanimous decision to prevail in a five-round slugfest.
"I landed many good punches but he's strong and a real champion. He was the best fighter in the world...not now." "It was a winnable fight. I'm very harsh on myself," said Volkanovski, who hopes for a rematch with Makhachev after suffering his first UFC defeat. "I'm still proud of myself and proved people wrong but I expected to win and could have capitalized on things earlier . Maybe I held back just a little bit until the last round."
Both fighters felt each other out initially amid a febrile atmosphere before Volkanovski went on the attack as they traded blows. During a frenetic finish, willed on by giddy fans, a bloodied Volkanovski made his move and a big right-handed blow gave him one last chance, but Makhachev held firm to ultimately prevail.
The 30-year-old, who earned the submission in the second round, will take on Volkanovski at a later date.
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