MMA News Roundup: Israel Adesanya hints at UFC retirement, Alexander Volkanovski strips Islam Makhachev's invincibility, 'Thug Nasty' returns in May
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about Alexander Volkanovski's all-heart performance against Islam Makhachev, Israel Adesanya's future in the promotion, and more.
#3. Islam Makhachev won the fight, but Alexander Volkanovski won all the hearts
Alexander Volkanovski stood on the precipice of greatness on Saturday night when he took on lightweight king Islam Makhachev in a pound-for-pound super fight. 'The Great' fell a few points short of his goal but gained nothing but respect from fellow fighters, fans, and experts alike.
Both Volkanovski and Makhachev traded strikes back and forth. 'The Great' established that he has what it takes to outmaneuver pedigree wrestling, and the Dagastani showed that he can strike just as well. While at it, they both proved why they are the No.1 and No.2 pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
In the end, Makhachev edged out with a unanimous decision, although one of the scorecards did stir up a bit of controversy.
After the fight, Makhachev claimed that he has surpassed the greatness of Jon Jones with this fight, although he had to hear about the mistakes that he made from Khabib Nurmagomedov over FaceTime. Volkanovski, on the other hand, believed that he could have done a better job of capitalizing on some of the opportunities he had.
Nevertheless, the Australian went up a weight class to challenge for glory and came out defeated but standing tall. For years to come, he will be one of the few who has almost successfully decoded how to tackle the Dagestani style of combat.
#2. Israel Adesanya doesn't see himself in UFC in the next 5 years
Israel Adesanya was present among the ever-cheering Perth crowd at UFC 284 on Saturday night. In a media interaction during his time there, Israel Adesanya was asked if he would prefer to retire in his prime or drag it out as Fedor Emelianenko did. 'The Last Stylebender' replied that he will be retiring from the UFC within the next five years. He added that while he loves the sport, it is not his entire life and that he has other goals to achieve as well.
"I've been in the UFC five years, right? If I'm being honest, I'm not gonna be here in five years. I have other things to do in life... I love this s**t and I'm f**king great at it but I never attach myself to this and I'm gonna leave on top. So yeah, that's the place where I feel like you should leave.
Speaking about his rematch with Alex Pereira at UFC 287, Adesanya stated that this time his main focus is not on winning the title back but to find a way to defeat 'Poatan'. "F*ck the belt," Adesanya said when asked about his mindset going into the fight.
Watch Israel Adesanya's full interview below:
#1. Bryce Mitchell returns to action on May 6
Bryce Mitchell is set to return to the octagon at UFC 288 on May 6 after losing to Ilia Topuria last year. The Arkansian will face Jonathan Pearce at featherweight. He took to Twitter to confirm the news on Saturday night.
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Back at it May 6 👊🏻 https://t.co/KyFUo90FI5
A heartbroken 'Thug Nasty' hinted at an early retirement after his undefeated record was tarnished by the loss. After taking on the fight while suffering from the flu, Mitchell tapped out to Topuria in the second round and looked completely dejected about his prospects in the sport.
However, he later confirmed that it was an irrational thought that came to him in the heat of the moment.