Islam Makhachev reacts to losing out on top pound-for-pound status despite beating Alexander Volkanovski
Islam Makhachev has reacted to the updated pound-for-pound UFC rankings.
Going into UFC 284, Alexander Volkanovski was the pound-for-pound king, with Makhachev at No.2. The expectation was for the winner of their fight to be considered the best fighter in the UFC, but that was not how the situation played out.
After five thrilling rounds, Makhachev was awarded a close decision to retain the UFC lightweight championship. During the post-fight press conference, the 155-pound king had this to say about the outcome:
“It doesn’t matter how I won today, now I’m not just champion, I’m the best fighter in the world. I am very happy. Now people are going to call me not just champ, but ‘best fighter in the world.’ This is my dream, and it doesn’t matter how I won, I’m very happy.”
Once the UFC updated its official rankings, Volkanovski remained the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter. Za Khabiba, a Russian media outlet, reported that Makahchev reacted by saying:
“The road home is always good, no matter how long you fly. About the rankings, I never expected justice and still don’t, because we saw on the example of our other fighters, [Magomed] Ankalaev, Petr Yan, saw the attitude toward us always. The main thing, I flew 13,000 kilometers there, defeated their champion. They raised my hand, and with a raised hand, confidently with a belt flew home.”
The MMA community was not shocked by the UFC’s decision. In fact, most people were stating that Volkanovski deserved to remain the pound-for-pound king because of his valiant effort at UFC 284.
However, Makhachev being upset is understandable, considering the contest was marketed as one to determine the best fighter in the UFC.
Watch Islam Makhachev's post-fight press conference below:
Islam Makhachev believes he clearly beat Alexander Volkanovski after rewatching their fight
Islam Makhachev emerged victorious against Alexander Volkanovski with a unanimous decision (49-46 and 48-47 x2). Several rounds could’ve gone either way, but Makhachev’s control time seemed to be the difference-maker. After rewatching the UFC 284 main event, the reigning lightweight champion had this to say on Twitter:
“Just watched the tape, and have to be fair, out of 25 minutes Volk got last 1 minute!”
Regardless of the pound-for-pound rankings, Islam Makhachev prevailed against the toughest test of his career. The Russian world champion now awaits his next challenge, which could be Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje/Rafael Fiziev, or Charles Oliveira/Beneil Dariush. Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski will likely return to the featherweight division for an undisputed title fight against new interim champion Yair Rodriguez.
Just watched the tape, and have to be fair, out of 25 minutes Volk got last 1 minute!