Alexander Volkanovski watches tape of UFC 284 clash against Islam Makhachev, protests decision loss
Alexander Volkanovski has put forth his assessment regarding his super-fight against Islam Makhachev after watching it back. Volkanovski seemingly believes that he won the second, third, and fifth rounds of their matchup. Additionally, 'The Great' suggested that he was surprised that he wasn't awarded the victory on any of the judges' scorecards.
The UFC 284 main event on February 12 featured UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his title against UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The lightweight showdown saw the No.2-ranked UFC pound-for-pound fighter Makhachev take on the No.1-ranked Volkanovski in one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year.
The full #UFC284 main event scorecards đź“ť https://t.co/zCx1YmqcFb
The fight was a closely contested one, as both Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev had their moments. In the end, the three official judges declared Makhachev the winner via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).
Regardless, many in the MMA world have extended their support to Alexander Volkanovski and argued that the Australian fighter was more deserving of the win. Furthermore, several MMA fight-scoring platforms and communities, including Verdict MMA, scored the bout in favor of Volkanovski. A tweet from Verdict MMA read as follows:
"Alex Volkanovski defeated Islam Makhachev on the Verdict Scorecard. #UFC284"
Alex Volkanovski defeated Islam Makhachev on the Verdict Scorecard.
#UFC284 https://t.co/ZGGF1dkNMO
Echoing similar sentiments, Volkanovski has now taken to Twitter and asserted that he feels he won the fight. Calling for a rematch against Russia's Makhachev, 'The Great' tweeted:
"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!"
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! 👊
Alexander Volkanovski purportedly upset with UFC 284 performance against Islam Makhachev
The consensus is that Yair Rodriguez, who beat Josh Emmett in the UFC 284 co-headliner to win the interim UFC featherweight title, would now serve as Alexander Volkanovski's next opponent. However, both Volkanovski and Makhachev appear to be open to possibly facing off in an immediate rematch.
Speaking to ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto backstage after UFC 284, Volkanovski explained that he wasn't satisfied with his performance against Makhachev. 'The Great' did insinuate that the fight could've been scored in his favor rather than Makhachev's.
That said, the Australian indicated that he'd put on a dominant showing in a potential rematch against Makhachev. Expressing interest in an immediate rematch, the UFC featherweight kingpin stated:
"I could've done better. I know I could've done better. I think -- again, I should always respect my opponent. So, I respect him. I probably played some positions more safe than back myself. And yeah, there was times when I did, and then, yeah -- Now, that I know that, next time, it's going to be a totally different story."
Watch Volkanovski discuss the topic at 0:46 in the video below: