Russian Islam Makhachev left no chance for Australian Alexander Volkanovski and, having successfully completed the sensational duology, defended the title of champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the lightweight category for the second time. Sports tells what preceded the fleeting revenge, how it went and what awaits next for the main hero of the tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Why Volkanovski again? Initially, the Russian was supposed to fight with the Brazilian Charles Oliveira, whom he had already declassed a year ago. But the ex-UFC champion couldn’t find anything better than training without a helmet ten days before the most important performance. What do we end up with? A deep cut above the eyebrow, the removal of Oliveira and a loud announcement: Volkanovski is coming out as a replacement, who does not give up hopes of becoming the fifth double champion in the history of the main MMA promotion of the world.
Situations before the superfight We expected a rematch with Olivera, but we got a rematch with Volkanovski. Yes, Charles was seen as a more media fighter than Alex, but his story with Makhachev can hardly be called competitive. The Brazilian was beaten in one and a half rounds, while the Wolf lasted all five. Moreover, he took away the ending, thanks to which many fans began to seriously argue about the fairness of the judge's decision.
Talk about that fight seemed to hurt Islam. Especially in light of the fact that after his success over Volkanovski, the number one ranking regardless of weight categories (P4P), the Russian did not take his place on the list. But he put both the belt and the 11-match win streak on the line… It turns out that then he took a risk, and Volkanovski did not lose anything. And today everything happened again.
Progress of the main event of UFC 294 Khabib Nurmagomedov's successor assured that Alex's motivation to come out on short notice was only money. He also asked not to look for intrigue in a rematch.
As it turned out on Saturday, she really wasn’t there. The fighters spent just over three minutes in the cage! Makhachev and Volkanovski took aim and worked a little in the clinch, after which Islam succeeded in landing a stunning left leg kick right at his opponent’s head. A crazy knockout in the style of Leon Edwards, who shocked the world with a similar attack in August 2022 and took the belt from Kamaru Usman.
For Volkanovski, this defeat was the first early in 15 fights in the UFC. Makhachev, despite his wrestling background, is no stranger to ending fights with “funeral” blows — over the past four years he has knocked out Gleison Tibau and Bobby Green. And today he celebrates his 13th victory in a row (Nurmagomedov had the same streak) and enjoys a gorgeous finish, for which a $50 thousand bonus is awarded.
- A little more about the Eagle. Islam overtook him in the number of victories in the UFC: Khabib had 13, while Islam had 14.
Words after the fight Makhachev said thanks to everyone who was rooting for him in Russia, and, like many Muslim fighters at the tournament, he spoke with words of support for Palestine in the flared conflict with Israel:
"I am not celebrating victory today because of the crazy events that are happening in the world. Palestine, we and our prayers are with you. Stop it! Gaza Strip, we are with you.”
Islam ended his speech with compliments to Alex, who saved the almost faded poster, and added that he never cares who becomes his opponent. I just called on UFC CEO Dana White to quickly find him a worthy opposition for the next fight.
Volkanovski, who did not hide his disappointment, in turn, appreciated the triumphant performance:
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"Excellent preparation, good shot. It's hard, I don't like losing, but he's a great champion, what can you do? I always believe in myself, and (in a fight) with Islam you need to believe in yourself…. Otherwise, this is what it can do to you. He is so good that you have to give him his due.”
Who's next for the champions? The dominant Russian has ended Volkanovski's hopes of a second belt and will now take on rivals from his division.
Due to his withdrawal from the fight, Oliveira risks losing first place in the queue for the “title” — the fight against Islam is awaiting “The Most Dangerous Gangster” Justin Gaethje. Three years ago, the American already tried to challenge Nurmagomedov’s belt, but did not come close to success. Then he was beaten by Charles. However, powerful victories over Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier in recent fights give Highlight a third and final chance. Oliveira isn't going anywhere either. At least if he doesn’t get injured again in anticipation of a new fight with Makhachev. Therefore, for Islam himself, the attack on the welterweight division is postponed until the “native” weight is cleared.
But if the Russian decides to go for a second title at the beginning of 2024, and the promotion supports his zeal, they will give us a big show… And the winner of Edwards’ December fight with Colby Covington will still have to work on his defense against high kicks.
As for Volkanovski, the defeated champion will return to his featherweight division, where he will hunt for a new challenger. It should be a Spaniard of Georgian origin, Ilia Topuria; The fight is already scheduled for January. But there is one detail: if the Wolf does not recover from the knockout, the undefeated Matador will have to take a fight for the interim belt against the legendary Max Holloway.
And the Australian team really should take care of the 35-year-old fighter so that the middle-aged Alex recovers from failure and rests from the octagon at least the next six months.