Islam Makhachev addresses failed vow to knock Alexander Volkanovski out at UFC 284
Islam Makhachev has acknowledged the tough challenge he faced against Alexander Volkanovski in their back-and-forth super-fight that transpired at UFC 284 on February 12. Alluding to Volkanovski's strength and durability, Makhachev addressed the fact that he failed to knock out the Australian fighter.
Heading into his UFC lightweight (155-pound) title defense against UFC featherweight (145-pound) champion Alexander Volkanovski, grappling savant Islam Makhachev promised to knock striking wizard Volkanovski out.
However, the fight ended up going the distance. The three official judges scored it as a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) win for Makhachev, who retained his title.
The full #UFC284 main event scorecards 📝 https://t.co/zCx1YmqcFb
The judges' verdict drew mixed reactions from the MMA community, as many believed Alexander Volkanovski was more deserving of the victory. During the UFC 284 post-fight press conference, a journalist indicated that Makhachev vowed to KO 'Volk' but was unable to do so.
When asked if there was any reason why he was so eager to showcase his striking, Islam Makhachev responded by stating:
"You know, I always believe my striking. I have good skills. I have good coaches in my team; coach Javier, coach Muhammad, and all my corners. You know, the best in the world. I know my skills. That's why I try to knock him out, but this guy's so strong."
The Dagestani wrestling phenom added:
"I landed many good punches, many good knees, but he still fighting, you know. I give him big cut, but this guy is real champion."
Watch Makhachev discuss the topic at 10:15 in the video below:
Is an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski on the cards?
In the aftermath of their closely-contested fight, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski each claimed that they were more deserving of the victory. Moreover, speaking to Niko Pajarillo of Fox Sports Australia in separate interviews, Australia's Volkanovski and Russia's Makhachev expressed interest in a potential rematch. In regards to a possible rematch, Makhachev said:
"Why not? If they [the UFC] want, let's go. I'm ready."
When told about Makhachev's aforementioned assertion, Volkanovski stated:
"Rematch? Let's do it. Done."
Upon being asked if he'll go back to lightweight immediately for the rematch, Volkanovski said:
"No doubt. Rematch it is. Immediately."
Watch Makhachev and Volkanovski's assertions below:
BREAKING: Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski have told me they are both interested in a rematch.
#MMA #UFC #UFC284
@MainEventTV @FOXSportsAUS https://t.co/STWKg2gU2H
The UFC 284 headlining matchup between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski was preceded by an interim UFC featherweight title fight. It saw Yair Rodriguez defeat Josh Emmett via second-round submission to win the interim belt.
Speaking of which, it's believed that the UFC could likely book Volkanovski to defend his featherweight title against interim champion Rodriguez next instead of having him face Makhachev again right away. That said, neither Volkanovski nor Makhachev's respective next fights have been officially announced as of yet.