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Update: 12:09 a.m. ET Makhachev makes his way to the ring and the crowd is ready for a pound-for-pound showdown!
The main event for UFC 284 features a showdown for the UFC lightweight title, as UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski steps up in weight to challenge UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at 155 pounds. The fight will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia as the main card will stream on ESPN+ PPV starting at 10 p.m. ET.
Volkanovski (25-1) has won 22 fights in a row and has been the top dog of the featherweight division over the last 10 years. Volkanovski has successfully defended the featherweight title four times. He also boasts an undefeated record in UFC competition and is ranked the no. 1 pound for pound fighter in the octagon by ESPN. His ability to mix it up and land quality strikes could propel him to becoming a two-division titleholder.
Makhachev (23-1) is coming off an impressive win over Charles Oliveira where he secured the vacant UFC lightweight title in October 2022. Like Volkanovski, he’s had a nearly flawless career in the octagon with his last loss coming back in 2015. Makhachev has won 11 fights by submission and has an overall versatile skillset not too many have in the lightweight division. It’s not too often you see a name like Volkanovski as an underdog, that speaks volumes to the quality of fighter Makhachev is.
Makhachev is a favorite to win this bout with -380 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, making Volkanovski a +310 underdog.
We’ll be providing live updates throughout the fight with round-by-round scoring until a winner is determined.
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski round-by-round results
Round 1: Makhachev 10-9
Here we go and the fans at RAC Arena serenade both fighters with some early Olay chants! Volkanovski lands a clean shot and the crowd erupts. And the biggest exchange occurs midway through the round. Down goes Volkanovski on one knee, Makhachev now in the driver’s seat. He’s inching closer to a choke hold as time ticks down and Volkanovski survives the round!
Round 2: Makhachev 10-9
Volkanovski lands another clean shot and Makhachev falls down, wow! Makhachev going for the takedowns, but Volkanovski avoiding it at all costs. He breaks free as time and time again Volkanovski showing he can withstand the takedowns. Woah! Makhachev lands a killer counter and has Volkanovski wobbly, flying knee kick ensues. Round 2 ends similar to round 1 both fighters tied up against the cage.
Round 3: Volkanovski 10-9
Volkanovski controlling the pace well, and landing good kicks. Makhachev not going for as many takedowns and the strength of Volkanovski preventing him to get a clean attempt for the ground game. Activity level keeping Volkanovski in it, Makhachev will need to find another strategy, overpowering not working against the featherweight champ. Volkanovksi standing toe to toe and even tries a takedown attempt himself near the end of the round. He got the slight edge on significant strikes this round, he gets this five minutes by a slim margin.
Round 4: Makhachev 10-9
This is the sixth consecutive fight Volkanovski has stretched to the 4th round, with all credit going to his incredible cardio and activity. Pace slowing down a bit and suddenly Makhachev now has Volkanovski on the ground. Halfway through the round and Makhachev in full control with his effective wrestling. Crowd getting antsy, Volkanovksi struggling to escape the grip of Makhachev. Volkanovski now hitting Makhachev and he survives his ground control once again.
Round 5: Volkanovski 10-9
Volkanovksi needs to land a big shot and a potential finish here. His activity has been great but Makhachev’s ground control has been the key to the fight. Volkanovski throwing his hands, Makhachev countering well and now incorporating knees into the combinations. Big right hand by Volkanovksi lands and down goes Makhachev! Body shot after body shot landing. He’s now in ground control and a sudden change of roles. He’s going for a final rally here, but time is running out and now we head to the scorecards.