UFC 284: Alexander Volkanovski falls short in epic lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev

Clearly unimpressed, Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski has taken to social media to vent his disapproval after falling short in his epic title fight in Perth. Every result at UFC 284.

Alexander Volkanovski has called for a rematch after missing out on joining the exclusive ‘champ champ’ club following his incredible title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284.

Hours after the epic bout in Perth, the Australian has Tweeted his disappointment at the razor thin decision, which went 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 to the Russian.

“Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2, 3, and 5,” Volkanovski claimed.

“Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised. Let’s do a rematch, anytime, anywhere.”

The reigning featherweight champ and pound-for-pound king moved up in weight to challenge the Russian phenom for the lightweight crown.

It may have read as a loss on the scorecards but Volkanovski didn’t lose any clout in the MMA world, with several fight-game pundits praising the Aussie’s performance.

And he was just as classy in his post-fight interview, motioning to the crowd to quell the Makhachev boos.

Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2,3 and 5. Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime! 👊

— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) February 12, 2023

“I appreciate the support, but let’s give a round of applause for Islam,” he said.

Former double champ Henry Cejudo believes the Perth main event was one of the most competitive fights in UFC history and it’s hard to argue.

Volkanovski nearly pulled off one of the greatest fifth round finishes, dropping his rival late in the fight but Islam’s grappling ultimately proved the difference in the razor thin decision.

Volkanovski will head back down to 145 where he’ll fight newly-minted interim champ Yair Rodriguez.

Every result from UFC 284 as it happens below

Volkanovski late in the fifth round. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

A dejected Volkanovski after the decision. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sometimes you can lose a fight and still win, Volkanovski did that tonight. #UFC284

— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) February 12, 2023

#UFC284 Official Scorecards: Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) vs Alexander Volkanovski

See every judges' scorecard from #UFC284 here ➡️: https://t.co/enKup6T3NKpic.twitter.com/5DJgiyxJdU

— UFC News (@UFCNews) February 12, 2023

Such a fun fight and what incredible heart from Volk. That 4th round. It kind of sucks that a fighter can win with a body triangle while doing nothing with it, but off memory Islam had 3 standing shots that Volk acknowledged before it hit the ground. #UFC284

— Paul Gift (@MMAanalytics) February 12, 2023

Volk's chin doesn't get enough credit. Man ate some CLEAN shots from Islam that fight, shots that in a weight class up, were enough to drop/finish Oliveira, Gaethje, etc.

Scorecards aside, no one can deny how crazy that is #UFC284

— GoGo (@GoGoYubari__) February 12, 2023

What a fight. Congrats Islam. All heart @alexvolkanovski so much respect for you. You did Australia proud 🇦🇺💫 @ufc#UFC284

— Alex Chambers (@alexchambersmma) February 12, 2023

Makhachev may have won but he has so many holes in his game, I’m not sure if he can beat Volkanovski a 2nd time. He won by hugging and holding down an opponent but his cardio is questionable and he can be hit a lot. Alex should have another shot, not impressed w/ Islam. #UFC284

— Gil Cuerva (@gilcuerva) February 12, 2023

I've always said it - Ground time means NOTHING if you don't do anything with it. Volk arguably did more work on the ground lol I think Volk won last 3 rounds but alas can't leave anything up to the judges #UFC284

— Robby Locks (@RobbyLocks) February 12, 2023

LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE: MAKHACHEV VS VOLKANOVSKI

ROUND 1: Alexander Volkanovski walks out to Men at Work’s I come from a land Down Under, Islam Makhachev walks out to 20,000 booing Aussies.

Islam takes the centre of the octagon as both men touch gloves. Volko hasn’t lost any of his speed at 155lbs. “Islam’s a wanker” chants ring out as Volko lands the first significant strike of the fight, a big overhand right pushes Islam back to the fence.

Both men trade huge shots in the pocket. Islam gets the better of the exchange and latches onto the Aussie. Islam moves to Volko’s back and he’s down! Islam’s grappling coming to the for as Volko fights off Islam’s back attack.

Big neck crank from Islam. Volko survives! 10-9 Islam.

ROUND 2: Volko switching stances but he’s not fainting as much. Islam tries a bodylock but Volk sprints away. ROCKED! Big right hand from Volko drops Islam but the Dagastani latches on in the chaos. Incredible grappling defence from Volko sees him reverse position and get back to his feet. Didn’t those animals in perch love that!

Islam has flipped the script late in round 2, turning it on late with punching combos and a flying knee - he looks very comfortable on the feet. Islam 20-18

ROUND 3: Volko told his corner he didn’t think Islam was strong. Incredible in-fight statement from the former Worrila Gorilla prop of the year. Volko is getting the better of the early exchanges but Islam is getting the better of the grappling exchanges. BUNG BUNG BUNG! Volko turns into the turbine from hell, landing his best combo of the fight. Small cut on Islam’s forehead. OH BIG SHOT! Volko drops Islam late in the round! Perth is erupting. What a fight this. Volko takes it. 29-28 to Islam.

ROUND 4: Championship rounds. Islam has the edge in strikes thrown and significant strikes but he’s well ahead on takedowns as he shoots and latches onto Volko’s back. Big lapse from Volko who appears to have a verbal exchange with Islam’s corner. If Volko doesn’t get out of this he’ll need a fifth round finish to seal the champ champ crown. We’re going to a fifth 39-37 Islam

The timing on those takedown are ridiculous from Islam Makhachev, tekkers #UFC284

— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) February 12, 2023

ROUND 5: Volko gees the crowd up before the men meet in the octagon for the final five minutes. Volko searching for an opening but he’s met with a big knee that cuts the Aussie open. Huge scramble from Volko, breaking Islam’s clinch. The timing of Islam’s takedowns are ridiculous. Volko escapes and he’s pouring it on! It may be too little, too late but no has done what Volko has done to Islam. HUGE RIGHT HAND DROPS ISLAM! Volko jumps into Islam’s guard and he’s raining down ground and pound. Islam holding on for dear life. What a finish! Volk takes the round but is it enough? probably not. Islam 48-47

SWISS ARMY KNIFE WINS VACANT TITLE

Yair Rodriguez is the most exciting fighter on the UFC roster.

The Mexican Swiss Army knife handed Josh Emmett his first submission loss in 20 fights to claim Alex Volkanovski’s vacant featherweight title.

Australia knows how to put on a fight card! This will no doubt be a top five card by the end of the year and we’ve still got the main event to come.

That flying knee from Yair Rodriguez 😲 #UFC284pic.twitter.com/wBF3Lb1aJk

— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) February 12, 2023

AUSSIE PHENOM STRANGLES OPPONENT

The hype is real!

Aussie phenom Jack Della Maddalena just put the welterweight division on notice, scoring his fourth first round finish from as many fights.

JDM made a name for himself on Dana White’s Contender Series, earning cult status for his brutal style of fighting.

He lived up to his reputation, passing the biggest threat in his young career with flying colours.

A patient Maddalena landed a perfect right hook that caused Randy Brown to faceplant before taking his back and finishing the fight with a rear-naked strangle.

Watch his destruction of giant welterweight Randy Brown below.

It’s how he bends his knee that doesn’t sit well with me. That’s not what an unconscious person does. #UFC284pic.twitter.com/iAKynu95d3

— ape (@qpe) February 12, 2023

Love JDM reflexively putting his mouthpiece back in between quotes. Dude looks like he lives with a mouthpiece in. #UFC284

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) February 12, 2023

TAFA GANG GOES BANG!

Aussie Justin Tafa scores the walk off knockout ‘Mark Hunt’ style!

Big comeback victory for Tafa over the tough Parker Porter.

Watch Tafa land his left hand from hell below.

Justin Tafa lands the knockout punch. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty

Justin Tafa with the walk-off knock out of Parker Porter #UFC284pic.twitter.com/xhBUUk2lhG

— MMA mania (@mmamania) February 12, 2023

LIL EVIL’S UFC HOF INDUCTION

MMA pioneer Jens ‘Lil Evil’ Pulver has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

The organisation’s first lightweight world champion made his debut at UFC 22 and isn’t he a popular inductee.

He won the inaugural lightweight championship against Caol Uno, defending the belt against fellow UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn.

Right in the feels 😭 Legend and pioneer indeed! Well-deserved, @jens_pulver! https://t.co/N0w1bNSSAt

— Melissa L. A. (@melissa__lerma) February 12, 2023

Congrats @jens_pulver on your induction into the @ufc Hall of Fame! I remember watching you wrestle for Tahoma when we were kids. So cool to have watched your career. Unreal!

— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 12, 2023

This was long overdue. The induction into the UFC Hall of Fame for the 2x Washington state champion out of Tahoma High School, the very first UFC lightweight champion, one of Pacific Northwest’s finest and a true pioneer of this sport…@jens_pulver#UFC284#WashHouseStandUppic.twitter.com/6RYUskPk42

— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) February 12, 2023

FIGHT OF THE YEAR CONTENDER

Jimmy ‘The Brute’ Crute and Alonzo Menifield went to war for 15 minutes.

An early fight of the year candidate was a morale to be over in the first round with 11 of their 13 UFC fights not making it out of the opening five minutes.

It was only fair the fight ended in a draw but ‘The Brute’ certainly didn’t lose any fans, coming back from the dead on multiple occasions to win the final round 10-8 thanks to Menifield’s fence grab point deduction.

HBO need to book Crute as mushroom zombie in The Last of Us.

Let’s hope that’s a precursor for the remainder of the main card.

VERY possible that striking defense is against Crute's religion. #UFC284

— Rory. (@RawrEWreckz) February 12, 2023

Fight IQ might be questionable but Crute being fun to watch certainly isn't. #UFC284

— Sherdog (@sherdogdotcom) February 12, 2023

I cannot with this fight. Absolutely incredible. Front runner for FOTN so far. Great back and forth #UFC284

— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) February 12, 2023

What a barnburner. Crute gets blasted with crazy power but hangs on and finishes strong. The swings in momentum are crazy. #UFC284

— Hyon Ko (@JHKMMA) February 12, 2023

Idk how Crute didn’t get knocked out #UFC284

— Kendal Vickers (@DreadHead_Vick) February 12, 2023

This is nuts. Jimmy Crute was basically out on his feet like five minutes ago. Now he's a few ticks away from winning this damn fight. #UFC284

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) February 12, 2023

My God, the heart of Jimmy Crute. THE HEART!!! #UFC284

— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) February 12, 2023

AUSSIE’S INCREDI-BALL COMEBACK

Aussie Joshua Culibao survived one of the nastiest groin strikes in UFC history to submit kickboxing champion Melsik Baghdasaryan.

Culibao was lucky to make it out of the first round, wearing a full-force spinning back kick to the groin with the Armenian digging his heel into the Aussie’s protective cup.

Such was the force of the strike Michael Bisping queried if Culibao would be able to continue in the fight before questioning why the Aussie didn’t take the allowed five minutes recovery time.

Culibao complained to his corner he couldn’t breathe when he hit the stool between rounds.

“It was pretty bad. It was one of those ones where you’ve got to sorta feel around to see if they’re still there,” Culibao said in the post-fight interview.

The tough Aussie rallied in the second, landing on Baghdasaryan’s back after a scramble and sitching up the rear-naked choke. That takes Culibao’s unbeaten UFC streak to three fights.

Josh Culibao taps Melsik!!!#UFC284pic.twitter.com/n8PTMd2BpX

— MMA mania (@mmamania) February 12, 2023

Nothing like a spin back kick to the peepee ouch 😣 #UFC284

— Wonderboy (@WonderboyMMA) February 12, 2023

we already had a spinning butt strike and now a spin kick right to the kangaroo jacks #UFC284

— Alexander K Lee (@AlexanderKLee) February 12, 2023

Low kick from Culibao. He's bleeding badly out of the nose. Baghdasaryan with a counter left to the low kick. Jabs the body and lands a spinning back kick to the balls. #UFC284

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) February 12, 2023

Groin strike count- 3 #UFC284

— Ryan Frederick (@ryanjfrederick) February 12, 2023

TRANSLATOR GAFFE

Wild man Kleydson Rodrigues just put his hand up for a $50k bonus after icing Aussie Shannon Ross.

The ferocious win comes with a caveat though, with the Brazilian coming in heavy after missing weight.

The UFC is copping heat after the KO artist wasn’t afforded a post-fight interview because, wait for it, there is no Portuguese translator in Perth.

Rodrigues has the potential to be a Flyweight contender and scored the stoppage of the card so it is a very poor oversight from what Dana White would say is the ‘best-run sporting company on the planet’.

59 second TKO and no post-fight interview because there's no interpreter on hand. Brutal. #UFC284

— Matthew Wells (@MrMWells) February 12, 2023

They needed @fabianobuskei Kleydson deserved a post-fight interview 😔 #UFC284

— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) February 12, 2023

UFC not having an interpreter on hand for a Brazilian fighter. A+ work. #UFC284

— Trent Reinsmith (@TrentReinsmith) February 12, 2023

UFC 284 FULL CARD RESULTS

Main card

Islam Makhachev (c) def Alexander Volkanovski (c) via UD 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 lightweight title

Yair Rodriguez def Josh Emmett via sub (triangle choke) wins interim featherweight title

Jack Della Maddalena def Randy Brown via sub (rear-naked strangle)

Justin Tafa def Parker Porter via first round KO

Jimmy Crute v Alonzo Menifield draw

Prelims

Modestas Bukauskas def Tyson Pedro via UD

Joshua Culibao def Melsik Baghdasaryan via sub (rear-naked strangle)

Kleydson Rodrigues def Shannon Ross via TKO

Rodrigues wasted NO time 💥 #UFC284pic.twitter.com/jQp0Ic1sUL

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 12, 2023

Jamie Mullarkey def. Francisco Prado via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Elves Brenner def Zubaira Tukhugov via SD (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Jack Jenkins def. Don Shainis via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Konklak Suphisara def. Elise Reed R2 0:44 via Sub (Rear-Naked Choke)

Blake Bilder def. Shane Young via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

WHEN IS UFC 284 – MAKHACHEV VS VOLKANOVSKI?

The UFC’s second pay-per-view card of 2023 takes place on February 12 at the RAC Arena in Perth.

A full house is expected, meaning just over 15,000 will be in attendance for the mouth-watering champion vs champion bout.

HOW CAN I WATCH?

UFC 284 – Makhachev vs Volkanovski will be shown on Main Event. Details on how to stream it via Foxtel or Kayo here.