Islam Makhachev knocks out Alexander Volkanovski in rematch،
ABU DHABI — The first fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski in February was a classic five-round clash that saw both men achieve great success. The second encounter, at UFC 294 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena, belonged solely to Makhachev.
Makhachev (25-1) defended his 155-pound lightweight championship in emphatic fashion, knocking out featherweight champion Volkanovski (26-3) with a left kick at 3:06 of the first round. It was Makhachev’s 13th consecutive victory, tying him for third all-time in UFC history, three shy of Anderson Silva’s mark of 16 in a row. It was the first time Volkanovski had finished a fight since his fourth fight in 2013.
The result was impressive, even though Volkanovski accepted the fight on 11 days’ notice. Makhachev was supposed to fight Charles Oliveira, but Oliveira withdrew due to a facial cut suffered in training.
“I showed him the low kick, the body kick, and then I moved on to the high kick,” Makhachev said. “This is what we have been training for the last few months for Oliveira and nothing has changed, same thing for Volkanovski. I would like to thank [Volkanovski], he is a real champion. He will fight all five rounds and never give up. He’s a real champion.”
Volkanovski, of Australia, still holds his 145-pound championship. The UFC has offered him the opportunity to become a two-time two-weight champion in 2023, thanks to his five title defenses over the past three years. Despite the defeat, the 35-year-old expressed in his post-fight comments his desire to stay busy and continue defending his featherweight title.
“Obviously it was great preparation, great kick,” Volkanovski said. “It hurts me. He’s a great champion. What are you doing? I support myself every time. Thanks to him. I just want to say to the UFC, please keep me busy.”
The two fought in Volkanovski’s home country of Australia, Perth, at UFC 284 in February. Makhachev won by unanimous decision, but Volkanovski exceeded expectations by thwarting the Dagestani champion’s fight. He ended the fight on a high note, going wild on attack to the delight of the Australian crowd. Volkanovski immediately demanded a rematch after the defeat, and he was still ranked well ahead of Makhachev as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Saturday’s fight began with both fighters working in the clinch, until Makhachev broke up and spun Volkanovski toward the fence. The left kick landed cleanly and essentially ended the fight instantly. Makhachev followed him to the ground to throw more shots and Volkanovski tried to get up, but he was pinned against the fence and the fight was broken up shortly after.
Volkanovski’s next challenge should be Ilia Topuria at 145 pounds. Makhachev’s options include Oliveira or former interim champion Justin Gaethje.
